Giant Food launches COVID-19 vaccine pilot program in Md.

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Landover-based grocery chain Giant Food Tuesday announced it is distributing COVID-19 vaccinations to eligible Marylanders alongside Gov. Larry Hogan and the Maryland Department of Health as part of the pilot program launch.

The vaccine administrations, which began Jan. 25 for residents in phase 1A/B/C, resulted in zero waste as all doses distributed to Giant’s 22 Maryland stores were administered within a one-week period. The pilot program announced by the State of Maryland last month began with 35 retail pharmacies throughout the state at Giant, Walmart and Martin’s locations.

On Jan. 27, Hogan visited the District Heights Giant pharmacy in Prince George’s County to speak about the pilot vaccination program and efforts to further reach disadvantaged communities.

Giant continues to be steadfast to ensure equitable distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine to the communities that have been most negatively impacted by the pandemic. To decrease barriers to access, Giant has leveraged its close community partnerships that have been able to assist with identifying populations that are most in need of receiving the vaccine.

Giant’s efforts continue to be aligned with the Maryland Department of Health’s guidance and directives and seek to target individuals that the state’s department of health has identified as priority.

In accordance with federal guidelines, the State of Maryland is in Phase 1C of the vaccine distribution plan, including residents 65 and older, as well as critical workers in high-risk settings. Giant is continuing to work closely with local authorities to secure additional doses for distribution to these qualifying individuals and future groups.