Lee County preps new COVID-19 vaccine site at Edison Mall

Lee County’s opening of its new COVID-19 vaccination site is just days away with some big improvements in the process.

The site at the old Sears store at Edison Mall in Fort Myers will make it much easier for those getting vaccinated.

The new location opens Wednesday and is more than 120,000 square feet, which is similar to the size of the old airport site, but the big difference is that the new site is indoors. Given Florida’s hot and humid days, moving the site indoors was one of the main reasons officials decided to move.

Another positive is the location, which will allow an abundance of people to get vaccinated and provides plenty of parking. There are also bus stops near the site, and the county hopes that will help those from underserved communities get there.

The Lee County Sheriff’s Office will have a satellite office on site.

Of course, the new site is on busy Cleveland Avenue, but Commissioner Kevin Ruane said he isn’t concerned about traffic.

“Safety has really been addressed in so many ways and the parking is just like RSW. There is so much abundance of parking because again where Sears was located, there are just so many opportunities to park and do it, but the bus line is probably really a big thing for people to realize, you just get off the bus and you walk a very short distance, you can go there. We look forward to this and the timing couldn’t be better,” Ruane said.

To make an appointment for your first shot, you can book through the state’s website or call 866-200-3468. Your second dose will be booked when you get your first. It’s important to note that those who received their first shot at the RSW location and are still in need of their second shot will need to go to the Edison Mall site for that dose.