​Polk County Publix Stores Begin Offering Coronavirus Vaccines

LAKELAND, FL — Publix is stepping up its fight against the coronavirus in Florida by rolling out vaccinations to an additional 296 pharmacies across the state, including in Polk County.

In a news release, the grocery chain said it will accept vaccination appointments this week for 593 Publix pharmacies. Appointments can be made online.

In accordance with a state executive order, the COVID-19 vaccine is only offered to all individuals 65 years of age and older, as well as frontline health care workers, at the time of writing.

Qualifying residents on Wednesday were able to make appointments to be vaccinated on Feb. 12, 13 and 14.

The reservation system will reopen again on Friday for residents hoping to sign up for vaccine appointments on Feb. 15 and 16. Monday brings with it the opportunity to register for an appointment on Feb. 17 or 18. The registration portal opens at 7 a.m.

“With the addition of doses provided by the federal government, we are able to offer more Florida residents the opportunity to be vaccinated,” Publix CEO Todd Jones said in a statement. “It is our privilege to serve during this time as we all work together to reduce the impact of the coronavirus in the state of Florida.”

According to the release, vaccines will be offered while supplies last. Those arriving to be vaccinated must bring an insurance card, if applicable. Similarly, Medicare members are required to bring a red, white and blue Medicare Part B card.

Customers without health insurance must provide their driver’s license or Social Security number.

"Florida is proud to partner with Walmart and other retailers, including Publix, to expand access to the COVID-19 vaccine," DeSantis told reporters at a Jacksonville Walmart store on Tuesday. "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. We will continue to utilize strategic partnerships and identify innovative ways to get more shots in arms and put Florida's seniors first."

These pharmacies currently offer vaccination appointments in Florida. Click the name of each pharmacy to schedule an appointment.

• Winn-Dixie — 43 locations (Alachua, Baker, Bay, Bradford, Brevard, Charlotte, Citrus, Clay, Collier, Duval, Escambia, Hendry, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Indian River, Jackson, Lake, Madison, Manatee, Marion, Miami-Dade, Monroe, Okaloosa, Pasco, Putnam, Sarasota, Sumter, Volusia)
• Walmart and Sam's Club — 119 locations (Alachua, Baker, Bay, Bradford, Brevard, Broward, Citrus, Clay, Collier, Columbia, DeSoto, Duval, Escambia, Gadsden, Hardee, Hendry, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Lee, Leon, Marion, Miami-Dade, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Santa Rosa, St. Lucie, Sumter, Wakulla)
• Publix – 593 locations — (Alachua, Bay, Brevard, Charlotte, Citrus, Clay, Collier, Columbia, DeSoto, Duval, Escambia, Flagler, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Indian River, Lake, Lee, Leon, Manatee, Marion, Martin, Monroe, Nassau, Okaloosa, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Santa Rosa, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns, St. Lucie, Sumter, Suwanee, Volusia and Walton)

Patch editor Skyla Luckey contributed to this report.