No appointment necessary at the federal vaccination site in Jacksonville

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

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

The site experienced a dry run on Tuesday and organizers said there shouldn’t be any delays or issues.

The two large tents at the site accommodate 2,000 people a day to be vaccinated by Pfizer. A thousand more people can be photographed at two satellite sites.

People are encouraged to register for the photos online, but it is not necessary. You can get the vaccine if you meet the governor’s requirements, which include people 65 and over, healthcare workers, K-12 school staff 50 and over, and law enforcement and firefighters aged 50 or over.

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FEMA’s Robert Spence said the site has the ability to scale up or downsize depending on the amount of vaccine available.

“From now on, this pre-registration is preferable, but whatever the numbers, we always have the possibility of developing ourselves. We think we have enough insight not to believe that we will be overwhelmed, ”Spence said.

Even though this is a federal site, at this point you must be a Florida resident.

The site will offer a first or second shot of the Pfizer vaccine. Even if you may have had Pfizer vaccinated elsewhere, you can just bring your vaccination record.

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

The two satellite sites will operate from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, while the main center of the Gateway Mall will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., seven days a week.

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