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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?

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UPDATE: my Aunties FINALLY got the email and will get their vaccines tomorrow (2/15/21) - YEA! This means that after they get their second shot in 3 weeks I can finally go visit them. My cousin (their caregiver) said the email didn't specify any names, so she is assuming it is for their "household". She will hopefully also get the shot. Not sure where they are getting the shots.

Thank you to everyone for giving me your insights and suggestions and support!
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BarbBrooklyn Feb 2021
Great news!!
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I live in Florida and my mom moved here a couple of years ago - different counties. Some counties have less people and seem to get those vaccines earlier. Remember, there are A LOT of seniors in Florida that qualify for vaccinations now. Being registered with county and state is the best bet right now. Seniors - 65+ years and those with health problems are "front of the line" but there are a LOT in that population group here. The ladies will get their vaccines soon.
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my2cents Feb 2021
Totally understandable in Florida where so much of the population is elderly, retired folks.
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Hi, Geaton, I didn't mean that their doctor might give the vaccine (because of the storage issues, I don't know of any doctors offices stocking it). Just that the doc might have some resources. But I guess not, if he is a turtle.

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!
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Geaton777 Feb 2021
Haha! totally laughed out loud reading that on my couch at midnight and startled my dog :-)
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Yes, Geaton you can use this link to register them.

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.
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disgustedtoo Feb 2021
Gee, wonder how the expression "Florida, not like the rest of us" came about?

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...
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Contact the senior center in their area as many of them are scheduling vaccinations. Several of my neighbors (in their 90’s) in Naples haven gotten theirs through the Collier County senior center. I was able to get mine through the Publix lottery which is now scheduling them three times a week. You don’t need to be here in Florida to schedule an appointment online, family members have gotten them from other locations in the US: publix.com/vaccine
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There is a phone number to call in the state 866-201-6313

They collect some info on the phone, and call back with available appointment times. It has worked for several friends.
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I live in Jacksonville Florida and I have read through all the posts and no one has mentioned the quantity of vaccines available to each site.

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.
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Insurance or lack thereof should not be a bar to getting COVID vaccine.

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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Geaton777 Feb 2021
Yes, my cousin's husband is a tech guy so he's on top of the Publix/CVS/Walgreens whatever thing. One issue is they can't get ready very fast so if an appointment comes open, it would take until next to get them there. They are very ancient turtles and move at the pace of moss growing. We did call their doctor (also an ancient turtle who is as old as they are and should retire!!!!) and he is not providing the vaccine. They are so enamored with him I can't get them to go to someone else. Thanks for checking the appointments list, Barb.
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Help is on the way. The news reports say vaccines are being shipped to drug stores starting this week! Call your local CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, Safeway, Albertsons or any other Pharmacy in town. Good luck!
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LittleOrchid Feb 2021
I have also heard this news. It somewhat mystifies me, as we have been carefully remaining in isolation, avoiding going to grocery stores or, really, anywhere. Groceries and other goods are delivered. The CDC and WHO have not changed their recommendations that those over 65 should stay at home in isolation. What good does it do them if pharmacies have vaccines? No pharmacy in our area is a safe place for seniors. Nearly all are located in the back of a grocery or other store, on a wall furthest from the doors. I think drive-through vaccination centers are the only really good options for the elderly and frail. I wonder why are we are not seeing more of these as options?
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So glad they are being scheduled at last. Some counties in Florida have been having much worse shortages than others. My DH and I were on 3 different waiting lists, Sumter County, Lake County and the VA. We are both over 65. The VA came through for us and we got our first vax (Pfizer) on 05 FEB and second one is scheduled for 25 FEB. The only thing was we had to drive 90 minutes each way to the VA hospital, but it was very efficient when we got there, only 2 cars in front of us on the ground level of parking garage. We never got out of our car. Had to wait 15 minutes in case of reaction, then they released us and we drove home. We were told 14 more days after 2nd shot to achieve full immunity. I have not gotten a haircut nor gone to Sam's Club in over a year!
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