BIDDEFORD — Walmart and Sam’s Club pharmacies, including Walmart locations in Biddeford and Sanford, are to begin taking appointments for COVID-19 vaccines for Mainers 70 and older. In all, 24 Maine locations are included in the program, according to a Portland Press Herald story by Joe Lawlor.

Jeanne Lambrew, Maine’s health and human services commissioner, said the Walmart and Sam’s Club websites should begin allowing appointments starting Tuesday evening, Feb. 9.

According to a recent White House estimate, Maine would initially receive about 4,000 doses per week at the Walmart and Sam’s Club pharmacies in a program that is separate from the Maine vaccination program. Hannaford and Shaw’s grocery store pharmacies would join the program later, but it’s not clear when, the PPH story noted.

The 4,000 doses are in addition to the 21,475 doses per week that Maine is receiving to vaccinate the population. Andy Slavitt, senior advisor for COVID response for the Biden administration, said in a tweet that states would receive another boost in supplies next week, probably a 7 percent increase over last week, which, the PPH story said, would be about 1,500 additional doses for Maine.

To check the availability of appointments and scheduling, go to: www.walmart.com/covidvaccine