Vaccine supply running dry at UF Health, CEO says

Jacksonville, Fla. — UF Health Jacksonville will run out of vaccine doses by the end of this weekend, according to CEO Dr. Leon Haley.

Dr. Haley told Action News Jax the hospital system received additional doses of the Moderna vaccine about a week ago to administer to patients under 65 with chronic medical conditions.

“We are proceeding. Although we are basically out of vaccines as of this weekend. We have a few doses left over for some of our newer folks.”

He said about 55% of the system’s employees or 8,000 people are currently vaccinated.

“We are still having a few challenges with our nursing staff who are still a little reluctant to take the vaccine at this point,” he said.

Overall, UF Health has administered 22,000 vaccines, which includes first and second doses. There’s still 3,600 appointments left, but most are for second doses.

The problem of supply and demand is felt across the county.

Mayo Clinic tells Action News Jax’s Robert Grant it is also out of first doses. It has administered a total of 20,000 first and second doses.

Baptist Health has booked 43,000 appointments, but said it has no more slots to open.

Ascension St. Vincent’s has administered more than 15,000 doses.

In a statement, they told Action News Jax, “We are currently only conducting clinics for those who are receiving their second vaccine doses. This important work relies on vaccine availability, and we continue to collaborate closely with local and state health officials.”

Action News Jax asked the State Division of Emergency Management how many vaccine doses have been allotted to Duval County hospitals so far. When they return our request, we will update this story.

The Duval County Health Department reports 44% of residents 65 years and older have been vaccinated in the county. 94,000 total people in Duval have been vaccinated across all avenues, including hospitals.

Cox Media Group