Dear Patient:
I hope you are well.
Vaccines
The minimum age for the vaccine is now down to 60 and Publix will be giving the Johnson and Johnson vaccine exclusively on Wednesdays. They will continue to give the Moderna vaccine on Mondays and Fridays. The J&J vaccine is one shot and all others are two shots. I recommend that you get the first vaccine available to you and the second shot (if needed) should be the same brand as the first. The CDC also now recommends that fully vaccinated individuals may gather indoors in small groups without a mask as long as all have been vaccinated. They still do not recommend “long distance” travel.
I know for some it has been frustrating, but it will improve as the vaccine supply does. Please note: only go to the approved sites below for appointments. No legitimate site will charge for the vaccine. Below are the options for vaccines available to those of you 60 and over:
- Walmart and Sam’s Club – www.walmart.com/COVIDvaccine and www.samsclub.com/covid (sites also in Lee County). Availability pending; visit websites to sign up for free guest accounts if needed and check for upcoming registrations.
- Winn-Dixie – www.winndixie.com/pharmacy/covid-vaccine. Collier location booked for the first day, potential availability at other sites. Check the website for details and future appointment notices.
- CVS – https://www.cvs.com/vaccine/intake/store/covid-screener/covid-qns
Other Vaccine Resources
Marco Island Vaccine Distribution: Full time and seasonal residents of Marco Island who are 65 and older can pre-register at any time by visiting marcoisland.typeform.com/to/dHSgaQze.
Florida State vaccine website link: https://myvaccine.fl.gov/
Collier County Appointments: Registration links
By phone: 1-866-201-4885
Publix receives vaccines weekly. Register at https://www.publix.com/covid-vaccine
East Coast of Florida: There are available times at the Hard Rock Casino or the Florida Marlins Stadium periodically. You will need to call 786-629-5752 to make the appointment.
COVID-19 Information
Testing sites in Collier County include: Advanced Medical Center (239-566-7676), Vava Clinic (239-331-8520), the Health Department (239-252-8200), EPN Urgent Care (239-775-2300), CVS (239-261-6444 and 239-775-5450), the VA Clinic (239-659-9188) and Pebblebrook Pharmacy (239-353-0800).
Updated NCH COVID information page: https://nchmd.org/news-and-events/newsroom/coronavirus
Sincerely,
Paul Jones MD