Walgreens Expands Vaccine Eligibility To Rhode Island Teachers

RHODE ISLAND — Rhode Island teachers and other school staff can now get vaccinated at Walgreens.

Days after its rival chain CVS expanded vaccine eligibility to teachers in the state, Walgreens added "school staff member or childcare worker" to its list of options for vaccination appointments Friday.

According to multiple reports, Walgreens made the change in response to federal guidelines that prioritize teachers and childcare workers. Teachers are not yet eligible for the vaccine under state guidelines.

President Joe Biden issued a directive to retail pharmacies nationwide Tuesday to make teachers eligible. CVS responded by expanding eligibility across the country immediately.

"As yet another move to help accelerate the safe reopening of our schools, let's treat in-person learning like an essential service that it is," Biden said. "And that means getting essential workers who provide that service - educators, school staff, childcare workers - get them vaccinated immediately. They're essential workers."

So far, the Rhode Island Department of Health is sticking to its age-based approach, rather than prioritizing certain professions. At state-run vaccine sites, appointments are currently open to all Rhode Islanders aged 65 or older.