No appointment required at the federal vaccination site in Jacksonville

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Starting Wednesday, getting the coronavirus vaccine in Jacksonville should be a lot easier and hassle-free when the new federal site opens at 7am in the Gateway Mall.

According to the organizers, if you meet the latest age requirements, you don’t need an appointment to get the shot, although pre-registration is encouraged by visiting myvaccine.fl.gov or calling 866-200-3762.

The site had a dry run on Tuesday, and organizers said there should be no delays or problems.

The two large tents at the site will transport 2,000 people daily to receive the Pfizer vaccine. Another 1,000 people can take the picture at two satellite locations.

People are encouraged to register online for the recordings, but it is not necessary. You can get the chance if you meet the requirements of the governor, which includes those aged 65 and over, health professionals, K-12 school personnel aged 50 and over, as well as law enforcement officers and firefighters aged 50 or over.

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FEMA’s Robert Spence said the site has the capacity to expand or shrink based on the amount of vaccine available.

“Now with that pre-registration is preferred, but regardless of the numbers we still have the option to expand. We believe we have enough insight that we don’t believe we’re going to be inundated, ”Spence said.

Although it is a federal site, you must be a Florida resident at this time.

The site offers first or second shots of the Pfizer vaccine. Even if you shot the Pfizer elsewhere, you can just take your vaccination file with you.

“The process we think we have a whopping 30 to 40 minutes to get the person in and out the door, but again, it depends on how many people are here,” Spence said.

The two satellite locations will operate daily from 9am to 5pm, while the main hub facility in the Gateway Mall will operate from 7am to 7pm seven days a week.

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The site is expected to be operational for at least 60 days and will run in conjunction with the state vaccinations at Regency Square Mall.