However, the grocery company Lakeland says it will not offer the approved vaccine for children aged 4 and under “right now”. Spokeswoman Hannah Herring said on Tuesday that Publix would not issue a statement explaining its decision. The company’s website states that it still accepts appointments with COVID-19 vaccines for children aged 5 and over. The company continues to offer other childhood vaccines, including the 6-month-old baby flu vaccine. Vaccination of the nation’s youngest children has become complicated in Florida, where state leaders have questioned the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines, contrary to the recommendations of the country’s top health regulators and medical associations. Florida General Surgeon Joseph Landapo has recommended that vaccines not be given to healthy children, contrary to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines. Florida was the only nation in the nation not to pre-order doses of the vaccine under the age of 5, which the White House said could delay delivery to medical providers in the state. Parents of children under 18 months of age must rely on pediatricians, medical clinics and children’s hospitals to vaccinate their children. Publix is not affected because it is part of the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program, which means it orders vaccine doses directly from the federal government. The governor chose Publix to become a major part of the Florida vaccine market in early 2021. That April, the grocery chain was Florida’s only major supplier of vaccines, accounting for nearly a quarter of the state’s doses. The company is Florida’s largest private employer and a regular donor to the political campaigns of both major political parties, although its donations distort Republicans. He donated $ 100,000 to Governor Ron DeSantis’ political committee in early 2021. Publix’s decision not to vaccinate young children puts it at odds with Walmart, one of its main competitors in the Southeast. Walmart plans to provide vaccines to children 3 years of age and older. “While we expect the majority of these vaccines to be distributed to pediatric providers, we plan to provide authorized vaccines for ages 3-5, as allowed by the supply and distribution,” Walmart spokesman Tyler Thomasson said in an email. South Tampa, a mother of two, Samantha Thompson was able to book a vaccination appointment for her 3-year-old son at local Publix on Tuesday. She then received a phone call informing her that the site she had chosen was not authorized to vaccinate children under 5 years of age.
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Want more of our free, weekly newsletters in your inbox? Let’s start. Explore all your options She now has to cross the bay next week to vaccinate her son at a Walgreens in Seminole, which she said was the closest appointment she could find. “It’s frustrating, because there is so much confusion,” Thompson said. “Throughout this process, it seems that our interests are not being considered.” • • •
How to do the test
Florida: The Ministry of Health has a list of test sites. The nation: The US Department of Health and Human Services can help you find a testing site. • • •
How to get vaccinated
The COVID-19 vaccine is given to clinics, clinics, public health offices and retail pharmacies. See how you can find a website near you: Find a website: Visit vaccines.gov to find vaccination sites in your zip code. More help: Call the National Vaccination Helpline for COVID-19. Phone: 800-232-0233. Help is available in English, Spanish and other languages. TTY: 888-720-7489. Information and access line for the disabled: Call 888-677-1199 or email [email protected] • • • SYMPTOMS: Do you think you can have COVID-19? Here is a guide to the symptoms and treatments. CHILDREN: Babies and toddlers can now be vaccinated. Here are the answers to your questions. WARNING: How the CDC COVID-19 warning system in Tampa Bay and Florida fails. RECEIVE THE MORNING START UPDATE: Sign up to receive the most up-to-date information. We work hard to bring you the latest coronavirus news in Florida. This effort requires a lot of resources for gathering and information. If you have not already registered, consider purchasing a print or digital subscription.
