Some Utah Smith’s Stores To Start Giving COVID-19 Vaccines

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Smith’s announced it will start giving COVID-19 vaccinations later this week.  

“Yeah. I’m really excited,” said Jaime Montuoro, Smith’s pharmacy director.

Montuoro said starting Thursday, COVID-19 vaccines will be available at some Utah stores after the grocery chain became a federal partner for the vaccine rollout.  

Starting Thursday, @MySmithsGrocery stores will begin giving the #COVID19 vaccine in Utah. You have to sign up beginning tomorrow at https://t.co/I4adDB8npT. Right now, only those 70+ are eligible. We're doing a story on this for @KSL5TV at 5 and 6. #ksltv pic.twitter.com/4syLddcvHt

— Alex Cabrero (@KSL_AlexCabrero) February 9, 2021

“This is a tried and tested system,” said Montuoro. “We’ve been vaccinating already in some other states.” 

There are 54 Smith’s stores in Utah, including Moab City Market, which is part of the Smith’s family. 

Forty of those stores are expected to get the vaccine this week and give them to seniors who are age 70 and older.   

“This is an opportunity to bring vaccines closer to people’s homes where they’re already shopping for their groceries, where they’re already picking up their prescriptions,” said Montuoro. “So hopefully, it provides some access that some individuals are needing.”

 That’s one reason why Smith’s was chosen. 

Because of the large number of stores throughout the state, Montuoro said it helps spread the vaccine across Utah and not just in cities. 

“Prioritizing our rural communities first so we get some good access in those areas,” she said. 

Starting Wednesday, Feb. 9, those who are eligible for the shots can sign up on Smith’s COVID-19 website.

Appointments will be available only if the particular store has the vaccine in stock. 

Smith’s said 4,000 vaccines will be available in the first week in Utah. More are expected in the coming weeks. 

After making a confirmed appointment, people just show up at the store, check-in, and get the shot.

Meanwhile, Walmart and Sam’s Club said they will start putting shots into arms on Friday, Feb. 12.

Eligible customers can schedule an appointment via the Walmart and Sam’s Club websites once appointments are available, according to a news release.

“While we will initially only have 18 of our 59 Utah-based stores in the program this week, we hope to be able to move quickly to add additional stores as soon as a larger supply of vaccine becomes available,” the release said. “Once we ramp up, we hope this will serve to augment the great work that is being done by state and local officials in Utah in getting the vaccine administered as quickly and efficiently as possible.”

Walmart posted a list of stores that will get the vaccine online.