How were the Publix Locations for the Vaccine chosen?
 

As I was trying to schedule the vaccine one of the Publix sites, I wondered where many of the counties were located in case we didn't get Marion County (which we didn't). Oddly, the counties are along both coastlines (St. Augustine down to Miami); Panhandle, and Clearwater to Ft. Myer. Obviously these are major cities located in these counties; however, it occurred to me that these are major counties with major tourism emphasis. When Governor DeSantis stated that the vaccines were targeted toward health care workers and those 65 & over, he obviously didn't allocate any to Sumter County. Yes, he did allocate for Marion county, but it's a very large county with high positivity. It made sense for an interior county. If there are other obvious reasons that more wasn't allocated to a major retirement community, please share. Still relatively new to TV, so trying to understand the politics.

:shrug::shrug::shrug:

The Publix stores were probably chosen by Publix, and they selected stores that wouldn't cause a disruption to their grocery business. They don't seem to be having any trouble scheduling appointments for all of the vaccine doses that they are allocated by the state.

We have had our first shot and scheduled for our 2nd on Saturday at the Publix at Churchill Square. Easy Peasy. No lines and very efficient. Whole process very well run.

Maybe there are no Publix sites offered in Sumter Co. because the agreement with GMR was either in the works or already set up? The State of Fl and Publix first held a trial run in Citrus, Hernando and Marion Counties and GMR opened reservations on Jan. 10th I believe.

My wife and me finally got in this morning after our fifth morning of trying. We first tried Marion, after I selected Mulberry it was taken, then I tried Ocala and it was taken, by then Citrus which is Inverness was gone, and Hernando which is Brooksville was gone. I finally got us both appointments in Deland, which is in Volusia County. They had 2100 available when they began, so they lasted awhile.

Deland is about 60 miles via 25, to 42 to 44 and just over an hour. We have different days, my wife goes next Tuesday and I go next Thursday and they two different Publix stores about five miles apart. I might take I-4 south to the 408 to the Turnpike coming back when my wife goes, because her appointment is at 4:30 and I don't like driving through woods on 42 at night because of bears and deer inhabit those areas.

My wife and I received our 2nd shot at Publix in Ocala last night. We were in the test in Marion county before GMR started. We found it to be very well organized. I have two friends who got in later in January. I agree it takes patience to get an appointment but I believe this will ease as more are vaccinated. As to traveling to other counties to get shots, I feel it is a personal decision. I still travel across the southeast US for work and could be exposed. This made it important for me. You may want to wait. All web sites are improving their user experience. Which should reduce the frustration and allow you to stay in the bubble. I agree there is not a lot of need to have Publix doing vaccinations in TV when GMR can do larger numbers. Good luck to all in getting a shot.

I also went to Deland. I used it as an opportunity to visit Essex House Seafood in Astor on my way home. Essex House is owned and operated by a couple from Massachusetts. A brother of the wife owns one in Essex, MA. Fresh seafood is sent down daily.

For me, being from Massachusetts, it's like a little slice of home in Florida.

If you like fried whole belly clams or lobster or any other kind of seafood, it's the place to go.

The process at Publix was very efficient by the way.

Been trying since Jan 11 to get an appt with whoever. No luck and it is getting wearing some. Maybe in Sept it will be easier.

When I finally got my appointments thru Publix a couple of weeks ago, I chose a county away from the Villages. Figured most wouldn't want to drive too far. Seems I was right. I chose Flager county and the Publix in Palm Coast. About 80 miles, nice roads, scenery.

Exactly. Plus, the selected Publix has to have a pharmacy. Not all do.

Sounds like you have it figured out. Notice the huge allotment for Palm Beach Cty each time?

I heard that the reason we didn’t get it in the Sumter county stores is because our health department wanted to do it! They certainly have not done as good a job! It’s fine when you are closer to 65 and can drive but we have so many people here who cannot drive far or do not have a computer or who would not be able to be successful on the Publix web site!

But when will GMR set up and get back to the people that signed up in mid January? This is ridiculous that we have drive all around to find a place that has the vaccine.

I am glad it is not my decision. Truth be told, there is far more demand than supply.
No matter what is decided some will object. Some are even valid.

Priority? I have a VALID pre-existing health issue and am over 70. To date, we have not gotten our first shot or won the lotteries for an appointment. My doctor, we called his office and were informed that a best guess is they will get vaccines in in march.