Hannaford Supermarket pharmacies at Elm Plaza in Waterville, Cony Circle in Augusta, as well as those in Farmington, Jay, Skowhegan and Winthrop, are vaccinating the public with the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine.

“We have begun administering the vaccine this week,” Hannaford’s external communications manager, Ericka Dodge, said Thursday in an email.

The Elm Plaza store in Waterville is one of 35 in the state that are administering the vaccine to those 60 and older, as well as educators and health care workers. The Hannaford store at JFK Plaza off Kennedy Memorial Drive in Waterville is not listed as one of the 35.

Asked Friday about Gov. Janet Mills’ latest directive that educators and child care workers also be vaccinated, Dodge said Hannaford is following guidance from the state’s public health leaders.

“And since the eligibility requirements have just changed, our website is being updated to reflect that,” Dodge said. “We ask that only eligible individuals make appointments. Before any vaccine is administered, individuals must show identification and documents that demonstrate eligibility status.”

James Merrill of Yarmouth fills out the necessary paperwork Friday to receive his dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine at Hannaford’s at Elm Plaza in Waterville. Michael G. Seamans/Morning Sentinel

A statement from Hannaford issued earlier this week says their pharmacies are working with the Maine Department of Health and Human Services and the Maine Center for Disease Control & Prevention on the vaccination project and that Hannaford would be receiving a limited supply of the Johnson & Johnson one-shot vaccine.

“Our stores and pharmacies, located throughout Maine and staffed by experienced health care professionals, are committed to serving as community partners in vaccinating the public,” Wendy Boynton, director of pharmacy services at Hannaford, said in the release. “By working together to immunize the public, we can help keep Mainers from contracting this virus.”

Vaccinations are available by appointment only through Hannaford’s online scheduler at www.hannaford.com/pharmacy/covid-19-vaccine. Maine residents who meet guidelines determined by the state of Maine are eligible. Mills announced recently that Mainers 60 and older are eligible for vaccination starting March 3.

“As more vaccine becomes available, we’ll be opening up more vaccine appointments and extending to additional pharmacies,” Boynton said. “The website offers the most current and comprehensive information about vaccine administration — and we encourage the public to check the website regularly for up-to-date information and appointment availability. Since the online scheduler updates in real time and reflects true appointment availability, customers are asked not to call the pharmacy for appointment information.”

In November,  the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services approved Hannaford to provide COVID-19 vaccinations, and the company signed on with the U.S. CDC to receive vaccines. Hannaford Pharmacies began vaccinating people in Massachusetts and New York in late January.

James Merrill of Yarmouth submits the necessary paperwork Friday to receive his dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine at Hannaford’s at Elm Plaza in Waterville. Michael G. Seamans/Morning Sentinel

Hannaford purchased additional freezers and prepared pharmacies to receive the vaccine, provided additional training and education to pharmacists, pharmacy interns and technicians, bought additional personal protective equipment and developed digital appointment forms and scheduling tools to decrease wait times and maintain social distancing.

Hannaford operates 156 pharmacies in Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York and Vermont.

Besides the Waterville Elm Plaza, Skowhegan, Jay, Winthrop, Cony/Augusta and Farmington Hannafords, those administering the vaccine around the state are at Portland’s Forest Avenue and Riverside Hannaford stores, Millcreek in South Portland,  Standish, Westbrook, Windham, Ellsworth, Camden, Rockland, Damariscotta, Oxford, Lincoln, Old Town, Biddeford, Saco, Waterboro, York, Turner, Rumford, Buxton, Kennebunk, Wells, Auburn, Lewiston, Mechanic Falls, Bridgton, Brunswick, Gorham and Gray.