Walmart (NYSE:WMT) is preparing to offer COVID-19 vaccinations in seven more states, as well as in Chicago and Puerto Rico, this week and next, a company spokeswoman told Reuters, expanding beyond the two states where its pharmacists are offering inoculations.
The move from the world’s largest retailer comes as U.S. President Joe Biden races to accelerate a frustratingly slow vaccination campaign that has stranded about half of the 38 million shots in freezers.
This week and next, Walmart will start providing inoculations in Georgia, Indiana, Louisiana, Maryland, New Jersey, South Carolina and Texas as well as in Chicago, and Puerto Rico.
Walmart is already vaccinating health-care workers in New Mexico and its home state of Arkansas.
The retail giant was in the news this week, announcing a new deal with financial services company Western Union (NYSE: WU) to offer the latter's worldwide money transfers at its American stores. The service will become available sometime this spring, rolled out over an unspecified amount of time until it is offered at 4,700 locations.
Walmart's vice president for financial services Wilbert Noronha said in a press release that the new partnership is part of the company's push to be "a place [customers] trust for their financial needs" and not just a shopping destination.
WMT shares acquired 60 cents to $145.45.
