Winter weather delays vaccine distribution

Reporter: Gail Levy Writer: Joey Pellegrino
Published: Updated:
People in line for a vaccine. Credit: WINK News

It’s a race against the clock to get COVID-19 vaccines moving before another winter storm hits the central U.S. today. The freezing weather is preventing many of you from getting your first dose of the shot this week.

At the Lee County vaccination site, the first dose appointments for Wednesday have been postponed until Feb. 25. But Lee County Commissioner Kevin Ruane says if you secured an appointment already, no need to worry—you’ll still get your shot.

“The good news is that all the vaccines are allocated and then delivered the following week, so a day or two shouldn’t matter,” Ruane said. “In that regard, it’s the way it’s really been rolled out.”

DeSoto County also rescheduled appointments for next week. Charlotte, Hendry and Collier counties have not announced when first doses will be administered again. The effects of the snowy weather are being felt all throughout Southwest Florida, but vaccines are expected to get back on schedule quickly.

“It affected us: We were expecting 2,600 vaccines, so that was delayed and that was supposed to come in over the weekend but did not,” said Dr. Joseph Pepe, director of the Florida Department of Health-Charlotte County. “It is coming in now. So we’re okay.”

It is important to know second doses are not impacted. If you’re scheduled for your second dose, your appointment still stands.

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