Publix says leftover doses of the COVID-19 vaccine go to employees

ORLANDO, Fla. – When and if there are surplus COVID-19 vaccines in Publix stores later in the day, these doses will be administered to employees, rather than being thrown away.

“Our goal is to administer 100% of the vaccines we received and have a process in place to administer vaccines to our eligible associates whenever possible, if there are additional doses left in a vial at the end of the night,” said a spokeswoman for Publix Quinta -market.

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Across the state and country, vaccine hunters have been calling pharmacies and other vaccination sites in the hope of getting injections that have not been used to keep from going to waste.

Sam Torres, 36, from Orlando, said he was lucky at a Walmart in Oviedo. He called and asked to be added to the waiting list and was asked to come back the same day.

“I just told my boss that I signed my name at this post, so I may have to leave at any time, and two and a half hours later I got a call and had to leave,” said Torres.

Selected locations at Publix pharmacies began offering the vaccine in January, providing more access for older people who may not be able to travel to mass vaccination sites. The program has since expanded and all 730 Publix pharmacies are providing hundreds of injections per day.

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It is necessary to make an appointment and the portal opens here every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 7 am. Teachers and other daycare professionals are being prioritized.

The company expects to supply its millionth dose in Florida on Thursday.

“When Publix was approached to assist with the administration of these life-saving vaccines, we didn’t hesitate to say ‘Yes’ because we believe it is a privilege to care for our communities in a time of need,” said Publix CEO Todd Jones. “I am extremely proud of our pharmacy, store and support teams for their hard work over the past 10 weeks. Your dedication and commitment to service has played a big role in the success of our efforts. “

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