Stop & Shop, which operates two supermarkets in Pittsfield and one in North Adams, will be one of the first retailers in the United States to administer COVID-19 vaccines once they are authorized, approved and recommended for use.

The Berkshire Eagle.Com reports the authorization came through a partnership Stop & Shop has with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that is designed to maximize access to the vaccine across the country quickly and efficiently.

Stop & Shop has more than 250 pharmacy locations across the Northeast. The vaccine will be administered to Stop & Shop customers at no cost.

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