As part of a multi-state vaccination plan, California is among an initial five-state rollout that would provide COVID-19 vaccines at Rite Aid Pharmacies across the country.

Rite Aid pharmacies has partnered with the federal government to participate in the “Federal Retail Pharmacy Program.” The program, which began Thursday, allows federal health authorities to determine the distribution of vaccine doses to local and state jurisdictions, depending on their own eligibility requirements.

“With vaccine demand outpacing supply, the establishment of an additional channel for vaccine allocation and distribution is an important and positive first step in the effort to end COVID-19,” said Heyward Donigan, Rite Aid president and chief executive officer, in a statement Thursday.

Rite Aid is scheduled to provide vaccinations in over half of its locations, and expects to provide vaccinations in all its locations once supply is available, company officials say.

See Related: CVS To Administer COVID-19 Vaccines At 100 California Locations, Including L.A. County

Rite Aid pharmacies are set to initially receive direct federal distributions in five states, including California, Michigan, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and two jurisdictions, including Philadelphia and New York City. At launch, they expect to receive 100 doses per participating store, per week.

“Initially, vaccine appointments will still be difficult to schedule at any provider. However, we expect to see availability of the vaccine improve over time, and Rite Aid stands ready to administer as many vaccines as we are allocated quickly, safely and efficiently,” Donigan said.

Although Rite Aid does not specify which California counties will receive the vaccine, that information may be available at a later date. As supply becomes more available, Rite Aid plans to increase the number of stores offering vaccines.

For more information on participating Rite Aid locations, vaccine eligibility, scheduling, and general vaccination information, visit their website here.

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