Florida not getting more doses of Johnson & Johnson one-dose vaccine anytime soon, officials say

It’s about to get easier for Floridians to get an appointment for the COVID-19 vaccine.

Walgreens and CVS will both expand their pharmacy program across the state.

Meanwhile, Gov. Ron DeSantis is preparing to allow people as young as 55 years old to qualify for the vaccine.

However, the state isn’t getting more doses of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine anytime soon.

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The state isn’t sure what the hold-up is, but is likely and issue with supply.

The demand for Johnson & Johnson’s one dose seems to be high. The shipment came to Florida the first week of March, but since then we have not seen anymore.

Publix opened its appointments for the limited supply Wednesday morning. Those were booked in less than an hour.

READ: Florida doctors’ offices still haven’t received COVID-19 vaccines for patients

FEMA sites are getting low or have run out.

But that doesn’t mean DeSantis will drop the age eligibility anytime soon.

“We just want to make sure when we make the announcement (that) it’s not a crush to the system,” DeSantis said.

READ: Florida reports 4,500 new COVID-19 cases, 59 virus-related deaths

He said almost a third of the 60-64 age group has gotten the vaccine. That age group began getting vaccinations this week.

More than three million of the 4.5 million seniors 65 and over have taken at least one shot, DeSantis said.

As for demand this week since vaccines for the 60-64-year-olds became eligible, the FEMA site did give out all 3,000 shots on Monday, and about 85% on Tuesday.

Cox Media Group