Hospitals no longer able to give first dose of COVID-19 vaccine

Hospitals are no longer able to give the first round of the COVID-19 vaccine – at least for now.

It has to do with how the state is changing its vaccine plans, and the decision is worrying for some who are awaiting their second shot.

DeSoto Memorial Hospital posted on its Facebook page that “the State of Florida will no longer use hospitals as vaccination sites at this time.”

“Beyond frustrating. I thought that was an efficient way to do it,” said Cleta Miller, who received her first shot at Lee Physician Group.

She said it much easier than calling into the county’s phone registration system.

“I was on the phone for 48 minutes and when they answered, they said I would be put on a waiting list.”

Florida Hospital Association CEO Mary Mayhew said the state’s focus has shifted to getting more vaccines to state- and county-run sites and pharmacies, like at Publix.

“Our understanding is if the supply dramatically increases, they’ll be looking to the hospitals to help support and play a critical role in vaccinating,” Mayhew said.

Hospital systems like Lee Health are now canceling vaccine appointments, like the one for Miller’s sister. Now, Miller is worried her second shot may not be available.

“The reason I’m not convinced is how quickly they canceled my sister’s,” she said.

Lee Health and DeSoto Memorial said if you got your first shot at a hospital, you’ll get your second shot there, too.

The FHA said they expected the state to shift its focus from hospitals to more retail locations like Publix, and eventually Walmart and Winn-Dixie.

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RESOURCE: WINK News is working by the minute on a daily basis to bring our coverage areas in Southwest Florida the latest COVID-19 vaccine information from the counties you live in.

Visit our COVID-19 vaccine schedules and information for SWFL story for rolling vaccine updates.