Governor Rod Desantis was very critical of the Biden administrations plan to offer federal vaccination sites in the state to vaccinate those wishing to receive the Covid-19 vaccine.
Desantis initially stated it wasn’t necessary, and the feds needed to focus on just getting him more vaccine to distribute through the state.
“I can tell you, that’s not necessary in Florida. All we need is more vaccine,” he stressed.
More federal government is not the answer, DeSantis said, warning against more “irons in the fire.”
“The more bureaucracy that’s involved in this, the worse it’s going to be. Trust me,” he said.
Today in a press conference at Walmart in Duval County, he changed his mind stating that he thinks more vaccine availability in more locations is a good thing, as long as it doesn’t take away from the supply he is already receiving from the feds.
Supply of the vaccine has increased 22% to the state of Florida since January 20th. Desantis announced this week Florida’s supply was increased to 325,000 doses up from last week’s 307,000. Initially, Florida was only receiving 266,000 doses per week.
The federal vaccination program through Walmart, Sam’s Club, and Winn Dixie, will be in addition to the 325,000 doses the state is already receiving.
More details on the locations in Brevard County for the federal program will be announced soon.
Neighboring Orange County has announced 17 participating Walmart and Sam’s Club locations which should begin on Friday. Appointments will be made online.
These are the Walmart and Sam’s Club locations slated to begin offering vaccinations in Orange under the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program, according to county officials:
Sam’s Club:
- 11920 Narcoossee Rd
- 7810 W. Colonial Dr.
- 7701 E. Colonial Dr
Walmart:
- 2500 S. Kirkman Rd.
- 5991 S. Goldenrod Rd.
- 1101 S. Goldwyn Rd.
- 11930 Narcoossee Rd.
- 3101 W. Princeton St.
- 201 S. Chickasaw Trail
- 9047 Curry Ford Rd.
- 7818 W. Colonial Dr.
- 5511 Deep Lake Rd.
- 2715 S. Orange Ave.
- 11250 E. Colonial Dr.
- 902 Lee Rd.
- 2271 N. Semoran Blvd.
- 13801 Landstar Blvd.