SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — The head of Seminole County’s Department of Emergency Management confirmed people who were not front-line health care workers or 65 years and older received the COVID-19 vaccine on Saturday.
Seminole County Emergency Management Director Alan Harris said they had “lots and lots of reservations,” but some people never showed up.
The staff was left with a tough decision: Throw away leftover doses or find people to give them to.
“So we did give it to some additional individuals that happened to be in the mall at that time,” Harris said.
He said it was about seven people, and said those people were not in the state’s priority groups. Harris said staff had to find people to give the vaccines to, or throw the doses away.
“With Pfizer, once you thaw it out, we have five days to use it,” Harris said. “Once you puncture, you have two hours to use it.”
READ: Here’s where to find the COVID-19 vaccine in your county
Moderna also has a small window of use, Harris said.
As of Monday, any leftover doses will go to assisted living facilities and nursing homes in the area. The decision came from the state after a conference call with other county leaders.
Harris said they’ve had leftover doses other days, but staff did find people in the priority groups to give them to.
Harris is reminding everyone to cancel their vaccine appointment if they know they won’t be coming.