SALT LAKE CITY – Smith’s food and drug stores in Utah are online to administer the COVID-19 vaccine once it is widely available. Kroger, Smith’s parent company, announced Tuesday that it will partner with state health departments and the federal government to provide the vaccine to residents in Utah and across the country.
“Our team of health professionals is actively preparing for the authorization of the COVID-19 vaccine,” said Aubriana Martindale, Smith’s Corporate Affairs Manager.
In a statement, Kroger said it would carry the vaccine authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and that the company will follow the federal deployment plan. However, it is unclear when Smith will have the vaccine in stock. Martindale told KSL NewsRadio that Smith’s hopes of getting the vaccine “as soon as possible.”
Martindale said Kroger will only administer an FDA-authorized COVID-19 vaccine. Once available, the vaccine will be available at all Smith locations throughout the state.
Currently, only the Pfizer-BioTech COVID-19 vaccine has been authorized by the FDA for emergency use. Although the FDA reported that Moderna’s shot was 94.1% effective, it has not yet authorized the vaccine.
Smith has a unique qualification to provide the COVID-19 vaccine
Kroger says he has a unique qualification to administer the vaccine because of its widespread presence in communities across the U.S.
“At Smith’s, we are committed to helping people live healthier lives. We have been diligent in doing our part in the community to stop the spread of the virus, including working with city and county health departments. to provide a free COVID-19 testing service, “Martindale said.
In Utah, Smith partnered with the Office of the Governor and the Utah Department of Health to organize a one-day COVID-19 testing center at the Maverik Center.
In addition, Smith offers a quick $ 25 antibody test at all Utah Smith locations with pharmacies. Antibody results are usually available in 15 minutes.