Winn-Dixie, Publix, Walmart Begin Signing Up Seniors For Vaccines

TAMPA, FL — Seniors age 65 and up are now able to register for a coronavirus vaccine through the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program.

During the first week of the FRP program, Florida received 65,300 doses of vaccine, according to U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis, R-Palm Harbor.

This is in addition to the state’s regular federal weekly allocation of vaccine.

Walmart/Sam's Club and Publix will have locations in Hillsborough, Pasco, and Pinellas counties, while Winn-Dixie will only offer participation in Hillsborough and Pasco counties. Appointments (which are required) can be made on each pharmacy’s website.

All seniors age 65 and up can also preregister for a vaccination through the state’s portal and reserve their space in line. The state will contact them once it is their turn for a vaccine.

"I would suggest trying each approach until an appointment is secured," Bilirakis said.

He noted there are no county residency requirement for any vaccine in the state of Florida, which means residents can get a vaccine in any county of their choice.

As of Wednesday, the state of Florida had vaccinated about three million people including 1.7 million seniors, about 35 percent of Florida's senior population.

"This is an impressive statistic and a big step in the right direction," Bilirakis said. "However, we need to continually improve our distribution plan to ensure all seniors and vulnerable patients, especially those who are home bound, have the opportunity to get vaccinated. I will continue doing all I can to increase the amount of vaccine sent to Florida so we can achieve this goal."

The state now has a vaccination locator website that allows residents to see where vaccines are being administered around the state. This includes state-run sites, county-run sites and Winn-Dixies, Publix and Walmart sites. Just type in your county or city to find the nearest location.

See related stories:

• Winn-Dixie, Partner Stores Administer 1st Coronavirus Vaccines
• Travel Restrictions Would Devastate FL Tourism Industry: Leaders
• Pasco County Seniors: Here's Another Shot At A Vaccine Shot