Publix will soon offer COVID-19 vaccines in 105 stores in 12 counties, more than tripling the size of the program since its launch last week.
The Lakeland chain announced that the number of stores would increase to 49 on Tuesday. On Wednesday, he said the number would soon be 105 with new locations in Collier, Flagler, St. Johns and Volusia counties. The other municipalities with vaccination service points for those over 65 are: Bay, Escambia, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, Walton, Marion, Citrus and Hernando.
Publix says it will start accepting appointments at new stores on Wednesday with vaccines starting the next day. Appointments must be made online at publix.com/covidvaccine. No stores are offering the vaccine in Pasco, Pinellas or Hillsborough counties so far.
At a news conference on Wednesday morning, Governor Ron DeSantis said the state is targeting specific counties and stores while increasing the Publix vaccination program.
“There are some counties that have really great health facilities … many hospitals,” said DeSantis. “We observed counties that may be more average and that have a percentage of elderly people.”
On January 5, Publix and the Florida Department of Health announced that 15,000 doses of the Modern COVID-19 vaccine would begin to be distributed in 22 stores in Hernando, Citrus and Marion counties.
“For 90 years, Publix has served its customers and communities in times of need,” Publix CEO Todd Jones said in a statement. “Our ability to provide these vaccines to Florida’s 65-year-olds and older is a privilege. We are grateful to Governor DeSantis for his willingness to work with us to serve our communities. “
DeSantis said the program will continue to grow and included more counties.
“We are not going to stop here,” he said.
People over 65 can receive vaccines only by appointment and at no cost. Those who have health insurance must present the insurance card at the consultation. Those who do not have health insurance must have a driver’s license or CPF.
Publix said last week that each participating store will receive about 120 vaccines per day for the duration of the stock. The retailer’s pharmacists began administering vaccines to customers on January 7.
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