Lee County and stores distributing vaccine say they can handle influx of appointments

President Joe Biden said there will be enough vaccines available for every adult by the end of May, but can Florida counties and pharmacies handle the influx?

In the three months since vaccinations started only 8.5% of Floridians are fully vaccinated.

So far, no formal plan exists to ramp up vaccination efforts in Lee County, but commissioners, the Florida Health Department in Lee County, Winn-Dixie, Walmart and Publix all said they can handle more shots when they get more vaccine.

The president’s promise is one many hope he can keep.

“We are now on track to have enough vaccine supply for every adult in America by the end of May,” Biden said.

The question is how can that happen here and when?

On the WINK News Facebook page, many wondered the same thing.

“Have enough but how will they get administered,” one person said.

“That doesn’t mean all adults will have their shots by the end of May,” another said.

For Linda Woodall, who’s living with chemotherapy, enough vaccine means more hope.

“I think the chances are a lot better now than they were a few months ago,” Woodall said. “I think that a lot of things are going on that will make that happen.”

About 100,000 in Lee County have been fully vaccinated. Assuming everyone wants a shot, Lee County has about 500,000 more adults to vaccinate.

“I see complaints of people that are 70 and 80 years old that still don’t have appointments,” Woodall, of Punta Gorda, said.

The Department of Health in Lee County is ready to ramp up distribution.

County leaders say the old airport vaccination site can administer 10,000 doses a day.

Stores administering also said they can put more shots in arms as long as the supply is there.

“I think that’s a great idea,” Woodall said. “I think they’re headed in the right direction.”

A county spokeswoman said that even with ramped up vaccine production, she’s not aware of any changes made to Florida’s appointment system.