Another step has been taken in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic as a Kroger vaccine site – located at the former Sears location in Greenwood Mall – opened Friday.

The site will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. every Thursday, Friday and Saturday for at least the next 90 days as the state continues to work through Phase 1B of vaccine distribution. People who are at least 70 years old will first be prioritized at the location.

The Kroger site joins The Medical Center at Bowling Green and the Barren River District Health Department as the third site administering vaccines in Warren County.

Bowling Green’s newest vaccine distribution location was established through a partnership between Kroger and the state.

Kroger Nashville Division Health and Wellness Leader Jeremy Crain said the site will vaccinate about 2,000 people a week in accordance with the current supply being received from the state.

“We are extremely excited to be here vaccinating the citizens of the commonwealth of Kentucky,” Crain said. “It’s a great partnership between Kroger health and Team Kentucky, (Gov. Andy) Beshear’s offices and many other related agencies.”

Crain said more than 75 people will help operate the site. Among those 75 people are representatives of Kroger’s health division, local emergency management, local law enforcement and the National Guard.

Crain said that after the initial 90-day period ends, they will assess the program in accordance with Beshear’s goals.

“Our goal is to ensure that all vaccine supply that is available is administered to those patients who are eligible in the current phase,” Crain said. “We will be following the state phase approach to vaccination, prioritizing those 70 years of age and older as they are working in Phase 1B.”

As of this time, there is no timetable for when Phase 1C of vaccine distribution will begin.

Kroger spokeswoman Melissa Eads said appointments at the site will be made on a seven-day rolling basis. To make an appointment, visit kroger.com/rx/guest/get-vaccinated.

“We are going to be giving a lot of vaccines here,” Eads said. “Each week it is all based on the number of vaccines that we receive from the state, but we are excited to get folks here in Bowling Green and the surrounding areas vaccinated. The city has been great to work with and helping us to prepare this wonderful site. We have plenty of room and plenty of space. It’s definitely been a team effort.”

Eads said there could be more Kroger vaccine locations in Warren County in the near future as the company continues to work with the state.

The new site encompasses the vast majority of the space previously occupied by Sears. With thousands of square feet to work with, there are several lanes available at registration to avoid potential long lines.

Those who are eligible and made an appointment must have a photo ID and insurance card on hand when checking in. Before being vaccinated, people will schedule their second appointment while at registration.

After receiving the vaccine, individuals will be seated for 15 minutes in an observation area before they can leave the site. The observation time is only in case any complications were to emerge after receiving the shot.

On Thursday, Beshear announced six new regional vaccination sites across the state and said vaccines will now also be available at mobile clinics, 10 Kroger stores, 15 Walmart stores and 125 pharmacies, including Walgreens and Good Neighbor independent pharmacies.

The Greenwood Mall site is now a part of more than 150 vaccination sites in Kentucky, in addition to local health department vaccination programs.

The Walmart in Tompkinsville, at 1650 Edmonton Road, was included in the 15 Walmart stores where the vaccine will now be available.

Appointments may be made at www.walmart.com/cp/1228302 for Walmart store locations beginning at 4 p.m. CST Monday.