provided to The Santiva Chronicle
FORT MYERS, Fla. – The Florida Department of Health and Lee County have announced the launch of a reservation system and a new, larger site for free COVID-19 vaccinations for frontline healthcare workers and those 65 years and older.
The reservation system launches at noon today, Dec. 4, and vaccinations will resume Tuesday, Dec. 5, at a single site east of Interstate 75 off Daniels Parkway. It’s the site of the old airport terminal parking lot. Message boards will direct traffic to Paul J. Doherty Parkway.
Only people with appointments will be vaccinated, the release stated. Reservations will be scheduled from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday. Reservations can be made by calling 833-618-2001. Reservations can only be made by phone.
The state has hired a vendor to handle the reservations, the county said in its statement. Its call center will be open noon to 8 p.m. Monday and 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. the remainder of the week until 5,000 appointments are filled.
When those who registered arrive on site, officials will request ID showing proof of age before allowing them to queue up. People are asked to arrive no more than 45 minutes before the assigned vaccination time. Even though this is an appointment system, processing times may vary. Be prepared for some wait time.
The FDOH anticipates administering 1,000 shots Tuesday, and 2,000 shots per day on Wednesday and Thursday. Reservations will resume once more vaccinations arrive.
Complete information can be found on the Lee County’s website.
Social distancing and masks are encouraged at the vaccination site. Portable toilets, hand washing stations, drinking water and some chairs will be available. For safety and security, county government and Lee County Sheriff’s Office staff will be on site.
The following will not be permitted: Recreational Vehicles, campers or trailers. Only service animals will be permitted in the vaccination area. This is not a drive-thru site. The site is ADA compliant.
More than 6,140 shots were administered to medical workers and people 65 and older at various sites. (Vaccination sites officially opened Monday, Dec. 28, in Lee County.) This total does not include medical workers vaccinated at separate sites by the Florida Department of Health-Lee.
The United Way 211 line for vaccine questions is staffed 24/7. Dial 211 or 239-433-3900.
This is a joke…called at noon, got a msg saying all reservations have been filled…. discusted with this system period!
Called in at noon was told wrong #,called again no answer,called 3rd time was told will call back,no return call,called again all filled up.