Questions raised after vaccines shift from hospitals to county-run sites

ORLANDO, Fla. — The Florida Hospital Association said Friday that hospitals in the state were told Friday not to expect any more first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine.

The association said the change is part of a shift in the state to vaccine disbursement to retail pharmacies, such as Publix pharmacies.

READ: Here’s where to find the COVID-19 vaccine in your county

Earlier on Friday, Gov. Ron DeSantis praised hospitals saying they’ve done a great job getting the vaccine out. The shift does not seem to be him making good on his promise to reallocate doses to Publix and health departments if hospitals didn’t do a good enough job.

Florida Hospital Association CEO Mary Mayhew said the change is part of a change in the state’s overall distribution strategy.

READ: These Publix stores will offer the COVID-19 vaccine

Hospitals previously had the discretion to vaccinate medically vulnerable patients and potentially their caregivers.

Mayhew said hospitals will no longer be able to get those vaccines at the hospital and hospitals will have to work with the other remaining sites to try and get those patients vaccinated.

READ: Which Central Florida counties have vaccines and which have run out?

“The hospitals will continue to partner with other resources in the community with the county health department’s to ensure that we can help to prioritize those populations getting access to the vaccine,” Mayhew said.

First doses meant for hospitals will now go to retail pharmacies as well as churches and government-run sites.

READ: COVID-19 Vaccine Transfers: How to give someone else your place in line

Right now, Publix is only vaccinating people in 18 of Florida’s 67 counties. Here in Central Florida, that’s only Volusia, Brevard and Flagler counties.

The abrupt shift meant some hospitals had to cancel first-dose vaccination appointments, and those people will now have to scramble to rebook their appointments at places still getting vaccines.

Mayhew said the state told her that hospitals could rejoin the mix if the vaccine supply dramatically increases.

Video: Florida hospitals not expecting any more first doses of COVID-19 vaccine The Florida Hospital Association said Friday that hospitals in the state were told Friday not to expect any more first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine.