How old and high-risk does a FL resident have to be in order to get their covid vaccine? I'm managing my aunts (98 and 101) care from 1600 miles away. My cousin, who provides their daily hands-on care, has them on state and county waiting lists but I'm incredulous that they've not been able to get the shot yet. Am I being unrealistic? My own 91-yr old mom here in MN was automatically put on a waiting list through UCare, notified via email and will get a shot tomorrow. Should I be contacting UnitedHealthcare directly to see if they have their own waiting list/notification method (which may go faster)? I'm not yet on Medicare so don't understand its deeper workings. Anyone have any experience or suggestions?
Thank you to everyone for giving me your insights and suggestions and support!
I am going to assume that if they get an appointment, it will be a few days hence and they will have time to compose themselves.
My brother (in Florida) said that one 101 year old lady, told she had an appointment for the following Saturday said , "Oh no, I can't get it then. That's the day I have my bath".
It sounded to us exactly like something our mom would have said.
Good luck!
https://myvaccine.fl.gov/
I found it impossible to get into the Publix que even when logging on at 5AM and staying on the page the whole time. All the slots fill in about an hour and a half, and that's never even making it to the waiting line :( So just know that the FL rollout has been slow. I've had my mom registered for weeks now and haven't heard anything.
It's possible that your aunts are in a county that has a better supply, so maybe they will get called sooner. Good luck. I hope they are able to get it ASAP.
Edit to add- I talked to my mom's primary care office yesterday and I was told that no doctor offices have the vaccine yet. :( Our governor here has done a terrible job, and MANY are waiting.
It has been a bit of a scramble no matter where you live, but FL always seems to be the leader of the pack!
It's also probably hard to get through because there are SO many seniors in FL!! Must be the nicer weather or something...
They collect some info on the phone, and call back with available appointment times. It has worked for several friends.
From what I understand each Wal*Mart that is participating in the program will receive 200 doses, No timeline for when more will be available. Although I do not know the quantity for Walgreens, CVS, Winn Dixie and other smaller sites but it will probably be around the 200 doses to start with. The quantities are very limited so far with the number of people waiting.
This has been mentioned before but to restate it:
THERE SHOULD BE NO COST FOR THE COVID VACCINE FOR ANYONE. Watch out for scams.
In Duval County/Jacksonville for the main site you call 1-866-200-3762. and leave your info. A few days later you get a call notifying you of you scheduled appointment
Also note that the vaccines, so far, do NOT prevent COVID but "should lessen your symptoms. This has not been widely publicized .
Florida has a very large senior base and with over 100 people moving to Florida daily, that is sure to grow. Also, many "snowbirds" are staying longer to try to get their vaccine here instead of their home state,
I hope this adds some insight to the problems.
My brother told me the other day that vaccine is available at all Publix stores.
Is your cousin a sophisticated user of the Internet?
https://www.publix.com/covid-vaccine
It looks like more appointments will be available after 2.12. You might want to check what time the site opens for making appointments; I'm told folks get up at midnight to do this.
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