Publix says the leftover COVID-19 vaccine doses go to employees

ORLANDO, Fla. – When and if there are COVID-19 vaccine shots in Publix stores at the end of the day, those doses are given to employees rather than thrown away.

“Our goal is to deliver 100% of the vaccines we receive and have a process to deliver vaccines to our eligible employees where possible if additional doses are left in a vial at the end of the night” , said a Publix spokeswoman. Thursday.

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Across the state and across the country, vaccine hunters have called up pharmacies and other vaccination sites in hopes of scoring shots that were unused so they don’t go to waste.

Sam Torres, 36, from Orlando, said he got lucky at a Walmart in Oviedo. He called and asked to be put on the waiting list and was invited to come back the same day.

“I had just finished telling my boss that I signed my name on this post, so I can leave any time, and it was two and a half hours later that I got a call and had to leave,” said Torres.

Certain Publix pharmacy locations first began offering the vaccine in January, giving more access to seniors who may not be able to travel to mass vaccination sites. The program has since expanded, with all 730 Publix pharmacy stores offering hundreds of shots per day.

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Appointments are required and the portal opens here every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 7am. Teachers and other childcare workers are given priority.

The company expected to deliver its millionth dose in Florida on Thursday.

“When Publix was approached to help administer these life-saving vaccines, we did not hesitate to say ‘yes’ as we believe it is a privilege to take care of our communities in times of need,” said Publix CEO Todd Jones. “I am extremely proud of our pharmacy, retail and support teams for their hard work over the past 10 weeks. Their dedication and commitment to service has played a large part in the success of our endeavors. “

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