Walgreens Adds RI Teachers Back To Vaccine Eligibility List

Rhode Island education and child care workers are back on the COVID-19 vaccine eligibility list at Walgreens after a morning of questions that followed the pharmacy chain removing those groups from the list.

Walgreens on Friday added teachers, school staffers and childcare workers to book vaccination appointments, but they weren't on the eligibility list Monday morning. A company spokesperson said shortly after noon they were added back to the list.

"As we continue to scale our COVID-19 vaccination program and demand remains high, customers may experience temporary issues with our vaccine scheduler, which may include delays and confusion in updating eligibility in their area," the spokesperson said. "We apologize for the confusion this caused our customers, and will continue to work hand in hand with the state of Rhode Island to vaccinate our most vulnerable patients as quickly as possible."

Schoolteaching is not currently an eligible profession for vaccination in Rhode Island, though Gov. Daniel McKee said teachers could be added soon.

Teachers, school staff and child care workers on Friday became eligible to book appointments for vaccinations at CVS locations in Rhode Island and other states.

President Joe Biden last week challenged states to get teachers vaccinated so in-person school could resume. The move prompted Massachusetts to move teachers up to the vaccination priority list.