Lee County COVID-19 vaccinations begin Monday for people 65 and older

Starting Monday, the Florida Department of Health in Lee County will begin COVID-19 vaccinations for high-risk frontline health care workers and those 65 and older.

DOH-Lee staff will have 300 doses of vaccine available at each site, supported by Lee County Public Safety.

The first of seven testing sites will be at Estero Park and Recreation Center. Those who stopped by the Estero site say this could be the first step to getting back to pre-pandemic normalcy.

The DOH-Lee County held a press conference Monday morning on its vaccine rollout. Watch below or click here.

Monday’s vaccination opportunity represents hope for Deane and Dick Hall of Bonita Springs.

“We’re excited to get the vaccination and we can’t wait to get it,” Deane said.

After months of not being able to hug their grandkids, there’s finally a light at the end of the tunnel. “I’d like to put COVID 2020 to bed and go on with a better year,” Dick said.

That ray of light comes in the form of the Estero Parks and Rec Center where high-risk frontline health care workers and those 65 and older can get the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine.

Karlene Reilly is from Estero and sees this opportunity for a vaccine as thrilling. “Absolutely thrilled that there is a possibility. It’s really an answer to a prayer. and I hope that I am able to get it,” Reilly said.

She came to the center to see if she could find out more information about what to do prior to getting in line. There, she learned that there is a release form to fill out.

“I’ve been trying to be as careful as I can be but I think I would feel better if I had the vaccine in my system,” said Reilly.

2020 has been challenging and worrisome for many but they think the vaccine is a good way to ring in a new year. “It’s the beginning of the new year,” said Dick.

“Let’s hope we can all get it very quickly,” Reilly said.

The Moderna vaccine does require two doses which are meant to be given 28 days apart.

WINK News reached out to the Department of Health about getting the second dose if you happen to get the first one but they have not yet responded.

Vaccination site schedules for the upcoming week are as follows:

Monday, Dec. 28:

Estero Park and Rec Center
9200 Corkscrew Palms Blvd.
Estero, FL 33928
2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 29:

East County Regional Library
881 Gunnery Road N.
Lehigh Acres, FL 33971
9 a.m. to Noon
2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Old Bonita Spring Library
26876 Pine Avenue
Bonita Springs, FL 34135
9 a.m. to Noon
2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Fort Myers Stars Complex
2980 Edison Avenue
Fort Myers, FL 33916
9 a.m. to Noon
2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Wednesday, Dec. 30:

N. Fort Myers Recreation Center
2000 N Recreation Pkwy.
North Fort Myers, FL 33903
9 a.m. to Noon
2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Lakes Regional Library
15290 Bass Road
Fort Myers, FL 33919
9 a.m. to Noon
2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Cultural Park Theatre
528 Cultural Park Blvd.
Cape Coral, FL 33919
9 a.m. to Noon
2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

There is no fee for the vaccine, and no appointment is necessary. Bring identification and, if you are a healthcare worker, a copy of your ID badge or a current paystub.  These are not drive-thru sites; all sites are ADA compliant.  To expedite the registration process, you may visit https://www.leegov.com/vaccine to download, print and complete the consent form prior to visiting one of the vaccination sites.