Vaccine available at Safeway, Albertsons pharmacies

Safeway and Albertsons pharmacies across North Idaho are throwing their hat into the COVID-19 vaccination ring, offering appointments at six locations in the Panhandle. 

Through a partnership with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Safeway and Albertsons have already begun to administer Moderna vaccines to the public and hope to get allocations of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine this month.

Not all appointments are getting filled online, Public Affairs Manager Tairsa Cate Worman said Thursday, so their focus is on improving awareness for eligible people.

"The people we have vaccinated are very appreciative of receiving the vaccine and the level of care and convenience our pharmacy team has provided them," she said.

Following the Idaho COVID-19 vaccine Advisory Committee guidelines, these are the people eligible for the vaccine:

• Persons 65 and older

• Persons aged 55 to 64 with at least one medical condition

• Health care workers

• Long-term care facility staff and residents

• First responders

• K-12 teachers and school staff

• Frontline essential workers

At the time of the first vaccination, Safeway or Albertsons pharmaceutical staff will automatically schedule the second dose appointment.

"Our pharmacy team and the Safeway Albertsons company is very excited," Worman said. "Many members of our pharmacy team have called this initiative the most rewarding professional experience of their careers."

Patients will also receive a 10% coupon for groceries after each appointment. Participating locations in the Panhandle region are:

• Albertsons: 220 Ironwood Drive, Coeur d’Alene

• Albertsons: 162 W. Prairie, Hayden

• Safeway: 121 W. Neider Ave., Coeur d’Alene

• Safeway: 1001 N. Fourth St., Coeur d’Alene

• Safeway: 702 N. Fifth Ave., Sandpoint

• Safeway: 6519 Main St., Bonners Ferry

To book an appointment, go to: https://mhealthcheckin.com/