CHARLESTON, W. Va.–Walgreens is no longer using the state’s vaccination scheduling system. The large pharmacy chain is making appointments with West Virginians on its own.
The state Department of Health and Human Resources confirmed Tuesday Walgreens is no longer using the EverBridge system, the company the state has contracted with to oversee the vaccination appointments.
Walgreens began using the state’s vaccination list in mid-February once it was named as one of the participants in the federally-backed national pharmacy program.
“They’ll get the list of 100 names (per Walgreens location). They’ll be a notification that will go out to an individual to call and schedule your appointment at a Walgreens,” state InterAgency Task Force for Vaccinations Director Jim Hoyer said at the time.
Those who received their first shot at a Walgreens are being contacted by the company to schedule their second shot. EverBridge is no longer involved.
MetroNews is awaiting comment from Walgreens about its decision.
Walgreens appointments are open to anyone eligible for a vaccination in West Virginia.
Gov. Jim Justice announced another expansion Monday.
As a result, vaccinations are now available to all West Virginians age 16 and older with any of the following pre-existing medical conditions: Asthma, Diabetes Mellitus, Chronic kidney disease, Heart disease, Immunosuppression, Lung fibrosis, Blood disorders, Liver disease, COPD, Neurological disorder, High Blood Pressure, and Chronic infectious disease like HIV.
These are in addition to the pre-existing conditions or situations Gov. Justice previously announced as vaccine-eligible: Down syndrome, Intellectual and developmental disabilities and their caretakers, Caretakers of those with congenital or acquired disease, Organ or bone marrow transplant, Obesity (BMI > 35), Sickle cell anemia, Cystic fibrosis, and Pregnancy.
The state reported Tuesday more than 246,000 state residents had been fully vaccinated from COVID-19.