COVID-19 VACCINE: Many relieved to get second dose, others anxiously waiting to hear from Regency Square Mall

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — As second doses continued to be administered, those getting the shot feel a renewed sense of hope.

“I’m excited, this is like a new lease on life,” said Patricia Bentley.

Leading into its first weekend administering second vaccine doses, Regency Square Mall administered 1,155 second doses Friday and over 1,100 in each of the first three days.

The 74-year-old said after being in her house for so long, she’s feeling relieved.

“I was afraid I couldn’t get the second one,” Bentley said. “So, I waited a little bit and it just came around, you just have to persevere.”

Over 3,500 second doses of the vaccine have been administered within the last three days, and seniors told Action News Jax they were impressed with how smoothly it went.

“They got me set up and here I am today, smooth as can be, I love it,” Bentley said with a smile.

While communication was great for her, several Action News Jax viewers are still concerned on whether they’ll be contacted soon.

“Neither of us have gotten phone calls,” said Susan Lederach.

Lederach and her husband are coming up on 21 days since their first dose and say their patience is wearing thin.

“I have a daughter who is anxiously waiting to travel down to see us, and she won’t until I’m fully vaccinated,” Lederach said. “So, all of these little things are on hold.”

After reaching out to the Florida Division of Emergency Management, they said going 21 days after the first dose doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll get the second shot then. They say you have up to six weeks to get your second dose.

They added in their emailed response that some people may have entered the wrong number when registering.

Lederach said shes anxious to see her loved ones again.

“I would love to be able to be with family again,” she said.

The state says nobody has missed their second dose. They will call people who already received the first dose two to three days before their appointment.

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