Publix to administer COVID-19 vaccine in select Florida counties

Publix to administer coronavirus vaccine

Some Publix stores will soon be giving out the coronavirus vaccine.

LAKE MARY, Fla. - Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on Tuesday announced that one of the state's largest grocery store chains will assist in distributing the COVID-19 vaccine through its pharmacies.

Appearing at a Publix in Ocala, DeSantis announced that a limited number of COVID-19 vaccines are on the way to select Publix pharmacies in Citrus, Hernando, and Marion counties. The Lakeland-based grocery store chain would begin administrating 15,000 doses of the Moderna COVID‑19 vaccine in 22 store pharmacies.

"Publix really can provide us a great mechanism to make it convenient and easily available in almost every crevice of the state of Florida," the governor said. "I don’t think you can go to too many places in Florida and not see a Publix, and I know that many of the people who shop here would fit our target age demographic of 65 and up."

Each store can schedule approximately 120 vaccinations per day, while supplies last. Vaccinations are by appointment only starting Thursday, Jan. 7. Customers can make an appointment by using the online reservation system on publix.com/covidvaccine.

"It’s our privilege to work with Governor DeSantis as a distributor of this important vaccine. We’re grateful to play a role in helping to protect the health and well-being of people at risk of serious complications from the coronavirus," said Publix Vice President of Pharmacy Dain Rusk. "We look forward to a time when everyone who wants a vaccination is able to receive one."

Vaccinations will be provided at no cost. Customers with insurance will need to bring their insurance card, and customers without insurance will need to provide their driver’s license or Social Security number.

Publix and a number of other pharmacies were approved in November by the federal government to administer the vaccines to the general public. Through the partnership with pharmacy chains, this program covers approximately 60% of pharmacies throughout the 50 states.

"Vaccines are not new to Publix. They provide millions of vaccine doses each year for the flu and other illnesses," DeSantis said. "What Publix is doing, it's a little bit easier. You don't have to go to the hospital. You make that appointment, you come in right here -- friendly faces, people that you see every week when you're coming in -- and then be able to get the vaccination."

The complete list of locations was posted by Publix late Tuesday afternoon:

Citrus County