ORLANDO, Fla. — Publix opened its COVID-19 vaccine appointment portal at 7 a.m. Wednesday morning. By 9:30 a.m. all of its appointments were booked.
Florida residents who are over 65, residents and staff members of long-term care facilities, or health care workers were eligible to make a vaccination appointment.
READ: Homebound Altamonte woman struggles to get COVID vaccine despite qualifying for county program
The next chance to sign up for appointments is Friday at 7 a.m.
On Tuesday, Gov. Ron DeSantis announced that Publix pharmacies are expanding the grocery store chain’s distribution of the vaccine from 325 locations to 600 locations.
The expansion of pharmacies includes all Central Florida counties.
The stores will administer 100 to 125 vaccines per day, and an appointment is required.
The state is getting 325,000 vaccine doses this week, which is more than previous weeks. DeSantis said about 80% of counties now have access to a retail place with the vaccine.
Residents have to provide proof of residency to receive the vaccine.
Publix is not allowing residents to make an appointment by phone — they must make an appointment online.
READ: AdventHealth to administer thousands of second doses of Moderna vaccine this week
DeSantis said roughly 35% of Florida’s 4.5 million seniors have now been vaccinated.
Click here to make an appointment.
Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, and click here to watch the latest news on your Smart TV.