ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. —
Supply and demand issues remain a key factor in the COVID-19 vaccine distribution across the state of Florida.
In St. Johns County, the Solomon Calhoun Center is the only county-run site giving out vaccines.
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“I kept trying and trying and after a few attempts, I finally got through,” Michelle Arnold said.
Arnold has been working nonstop to get her mother, Ellen, the COVID-19 vaccine. Today, she finally received her first dose.
“I’m thrilled, I’m just so excited,” Ellen Arnold said. “I’ve been waiting to get it and I’m glad I was able to do that.”
While they were able to reach an operator at Regency Square Mall, they said it was too far of a drive and were nervous they might not get a vaccine dose anytime soon.
According to St. Johns County Emergency Management, the county has vaccinated over 39,000 people in total thus far, doing about 1,000 doses per day, including first and second doses.
St. Johns County Emergency Management says it’s receiving about 7,000 vaccine doses per week, which includes 3,500 first doses and 3,500 second doses for those patients.
While they understand the frustration and want to give out more, there’s just not enough vaccines available for their site, let alone for a second site.
“A lot of people want the shot, want the vaccine. It’s just not readily available,” Director Joe Giammanco said. “Until the supply is there, then we would look at potentially opening a second site.”
For Michelle and her mother Ellen, they urge others to work quickly and be on top of the registration system.
“You really have to call as soon as the phones open, and get online as soon as you can at 9 a.m. exactly,” Michelle Arnold said.
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The county says it’s doing its best to get more booking appointments for the amount of vaccines they receive.
They will have spots opening up Thursday morning beginning at 9 a.m.