It was a big step in the state’s vaccine roll: Visiting all of Florida’s nearly 4,000 nursing homes assisted living facilities, but not all visitations resulted in vaccinations.
In a one-on-one interview, Florida’s Emergency Management Director Jared Moskowitz explained the state stepped in to supplement the pharmacies vaccination efforts.
“We took 1,500 assisted living facilities, 50% of them away from CVS and Walgreens. And we visited the state (and) did all 1,500 of those in less than three weeks,” Moskowitz said
But shots didn’t actually make it into arms at all of them.
“There were 90 facilities when we showed up that either did not let us in or wanted to reschedule,” Moskowitz said.
Then the state started reviewing what CVS and Walgreens did.
READ: OCPS spring football to go on with less restrictions than fall football
“We found about 72 facilities, same (or) similar situation with (facilities) that were visited or scheduled and neither things did not happen.”
But at the start of this week, the state had at least 162 long-term care centers to get those first doses to, but Moskowitz said that will be done this week.
After weeks of waiting, the residents and staff at Beggs Pointe Assisted Living Facility rolled up their sleeves at last.
READ: Advocates lobby for seniors with disabilities to have easier access to COVID-19 vaccine
“They’ve been glad. They were so relieved that, finally, we got it,” said Elden Santos with the facility.
Erika Sevilla feels the same. Her mom and aunt finally got their vaccines at Keystone Villas together.
“(I’m) very excited and very happy that they got this shot,” Sevilla said. “They did it, and that’s why I’m happy.”
Some facilities are already getting visits from the state or pharmacies for the second doses.
Cox Media Group
