Winn-Dixie To Provide Vaccines To Hillsborough Schools Employees

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, FL — Southeastern Grocers Inc., parent company of Fresco y Más, Harveys Supermarket and Winn-Dixie grocery stores, has partnered with Hillsborough County Public Schools to offer 1,000 free Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines to all district educators and employees.

The one-dose vaccines will be administered on Saturday, March 27 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the gymnasiums of Jefferson High School, 4401 W. Cypress St. in Tampa, and Armwood High School, 12000 E. U.S. 92 in Seffner.

“Our commitment to the health and well-being of our customers extends beyond our store walls as we continue to combat the pandemic in our West Florida communities, Gayle Shields, vice president of pharmacy for Southeastern Grocers, said. "That’s why we are proud to offer these vital vaccines to our Hillsborough County educators and staff to help shield them from the coronavirus, so they can continue their focus on nurturing our local students and cultivating the future leaders of tomorrow.”

“We are so grateful for the partnership with Southeastern Grocers who has stepped up by providing Hillsborough County educators with an opportunity to receive the vaccine," Addison Davis, superintendent of Hillsborough County Public Schools, said. "This is the first vaccine clinic specifically designated for our hard-working teachers, administrators and support professionals. Since this pandemic began, educators have taken on critical roles in our community and this clinic provides one more opportunity to ensure our dedicated staff remains protected against COVID-19.”

Winn-Dixie pharmacists will be on hand at each school to administer the free Johnson & Johnson vaccines to school employees including in-person, eLearning and virtual teachers, administrators and staff while supplies last.

To streamline inoculations while maintaining safety protocols, 500 vaccines will be administered at each location in five-minute increments, and eligible individuals will be asked to stay at their selected school appointment location for 15 to 30 minutes for a brief observation period after receiving the vaccine.

To receive a free Johnson & Johnson vaccine, current school employees are required to make an appointment online through a private website link provided to them through the school district’s internal email. School employees can visit the private website link to follow the prompts and choose their appointment time and location.

All available online appointments will be made on a first-come, first-served basis and no walk-ups will be permitted. Those with confirmed appointments will also receive a text message reminder at the mobile number provided.

Educators and school district staff must present their valid Hillsborough County employee ID, district ID or their driver’s license and pay stub to verify employment and a copy of their pharmacy insurance card at their scheduled appointment time and location. Consent forms will be available online to bring to their confirmed appointment.

After receiving their one-dose vaccine, Hillsborough County educators and staff will also receive their COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card to take home with them, along with a goodie bag from Winn-Dixie.

By continuing to adhere to local, state and federal guidelines, practicing social distancing and offering the highest level of service and care to its customers, SEG strives not only to keep its communities healthy and safe, but also encourages others to do the same. For more information about SEG’s coronavirus response, vaccination plans and other pharmacy services, visit the Pharmacy page of www.frescoymas.com, www.harveyssupermarkets.com and www.winndixie.com.