FEMA sites will pivot to doing just second doses next week

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Big changes are coming to FEMA-run sites starting next week.

The site at Valencia College opened up about three weeks ago. Now, the people who got their first dose of Pfizer are getting ready for their second.

To make this happen, the site will stop doing first doses completely.

READ: Here’s who is eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine in Florida, Orange County starting next week

The move won’t happen until Wednesday, so people still have a few more days to jump in line if they want their first dose. No appointment is needed. Starting Monday, any Florida resident and age 50 and up is eligible for the vaccine anywhere in the state.

The hub at Valencia College will finish with second doses on April 13, but they are set to be on site for a little longer after that. From April 14-28, they will be offering Johnson & Johnson doses only, so people don’t have to return for a second shot.

Officials said they have everyone’s phone numbers and emails on file so they can get in touch with people who need to come back for their second shot.

READ: Floridians age 50 and older eligible to get a COVID-19 vaccine starting Monday

As of Friday afternoon, the site at Valencia College has put close to 44,000 shots in arms. A few thousand people got Johnson & Johnson doses, so it was a one-and-done for them. However, the majority of people got the first dose of the Pfizer vaccine.

Video: Floridians age 50 and older eligible to get a COVID-19 vaccine starting Monday Gov. Ron DeSantis announced Friday that he will sign an executive order that will allow Floridians age 50 and older to get a COVID-19 vaccine. (Shannon Butler)

Cox Media Group