More SWFL Publix vaccine appointments booked in under an hour Friday morning

Publix vaccine slots for Lee, Collier and Charlotte counties became available at 6 a.m. Friday and were booked by 6:51.

The process has been adjusted, and the Publix website now comes with instructions: The sign-up page displays a counter ticking down until the next time the page refreshes. A list of Florida counties shows how many appointment slots still remain in each one. Many people will always be trying to sign up at once, so things may proceed slowly, but nothing needs to be clicked; the website brings you to a scheduling page automatically upon refreshing once room becomes available.

Publix appointments are for Florida residents 65 and older. You should be able to book multiple people. If you were unable to book an appointment Wednesday, Friday will be your next opportunity.

During the Publix Pharmacy booking process, you may be asked for Medicare information if you are on Medicare. The shot is still given at no cost to you whether or not you choose to provide that information.

RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT: If you got your first shot before the residency requirement change, you can still get your second dose without proving residency. Health care providers are exempt from the requirement. The requirement only applies to your first dose.

PDF: Residency requirement checklist

Click here to see the full list of Florida locations.