Last month, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R) announced that he was partnering with Publix to spread awareness concerning vaccine availability. This week, the Governor continued to build on that awareness by announcing the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program. The program is an effort to provide Floridians with as many vaccines as possible.
At the end of January, Governor DeSantis informed that “22 Publix Pharmacies in Brevard County will begin offering the COVID-19 vaccine to seniors.”
On Twitter, the Governor announced “Florida’s participation in the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program, which includes Walmart, Sams Club & Publix.” He added that “through this program, vaccines will be offered at 490 pharmacy locations in 52 counties across the state.”
I’m pleased to announce Florida’s participation in the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program, which includes @Walmart, @SamsClub & @Publix. Through this program, vaccines will be offered at 490 pharmacy locations in 52 counties across the state. pic.twitter.com/JgQduhOk7T
— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) February 9, 2021
Making the announcement at a Walmart Supercenter in Jacksonville, Florida, he affirmed that the goal is “to expand access to the COVID-19 vaccine.” He further detailed that “through the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program, we look forward to reaching more Floridians and ensuring that all eligible residents who want a vaccine are able to receive one.”
In continuing to make vaccines available to Floridians across the state, DeSantis assured that they “will continue to utilize strategic partnerships and identify innovative ways to get more shots in arms and put Florida’s Seniors First.”
This is an effort he committed himself to last month, and it comes at a time when COVID-19 cases continue to skyrocket in the Sunshine State.
For the first week of the program, Florida “is expecting to receive 65,300 doses of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine,” and “future allocations through this program will be announced as they become available.”
