Increasing Access, Enhancing Convenience for COVID-19 Vaccination

June 8, 2021

We at Lee Health continue to encourage Southwest Floridians to get the COVID-19 vaccine. In fact, we have implemented measures to make vaccination more accessible to anyone, 12 years and older, who wants to receive it.

We have, for example, made walk-ins permanently available for the community – whether a patient of Lee Health or not – at the COVID-19 vaccination clinic at Gulf Coast Medical Center. The clinic is open 7:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Tuesday-Friday. If someone prefers to make an appointment, they can do so on our website – www.LeeHealth.org – and by clicking on the blue banner at the top of the page. Many people appreciate being able to receive the vaccine at the hospital, as it adds an extra level of comfort, especially for those who have a history of adverse reactions to other vaccines or medications or those with an underlying health condition.

Additionally, people 18 and older may choose which vaccine they receive – whether Pfizer, Moderna or Johnson & Johnson, based on current availability. Those aged 12-17 are still only able to receive the Pfizer vaccine and must have a parent with them at the clinic when they receive their vaccination.

Our children’s hospital, Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida, also recently launched a Mobile Pediatric Vaccination Clinic to bring the COVID-19 vaccine to children who may not otherwise be able to receive a vaccination due to transportation or other factors.

Tailored specifically for children, the Mobile Pediatric Vaccination Clinic is staffed with a pediatric registered nurse who administers the vaccine. A special Pain Ease spray is on hand to put on the injection site to alleviate any discomfort or fear of needles. The mobile clinic also has a pharmacist, EMT or paramedic, and a customer service team to assist children and families through the process. A parent or authorized guardian must accompany a minor for vaccination.

There are no appointments with the Mobile Pediatric Vaccination Clinic – only walk-ups – and it will be traveling the Southwest Florida region with stops planned in Port Charlotte, Cape Coral, Fort Myers and Lehigh Acres. The mobile clinic is also partnering with the School District of Lee County to bring vaccination to middle and high schools during dismissal and parent pick-up time in case parents would like to get their children vaccinated at those locations. More specific information about the mobile clinics will be shared on www.LeeHealth.org and our social media platforms.

We are committed to making sure anyone who wants a COVID-19 vaccine can get one.

We also want to remind everyone who gets the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine that they should return for the second dose – it is critical to reaching full immunity, which occurs two weeks after receiving your second and final dose. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine is a single-dose option and you are considered fully vaccinated two weeks after your shot. Keep that in mind if you would like to be fully vaccinated by the July 4th holiday.

Lee Health offers vaccines at no cost to any community member 12 years or older. As a physician, I have studied the science and believe in the vaccine and I know the more people vaccinated, the quicker we will reach herd immunity and the end of this pandemic.

Yours in Health,

Larry Antonucci, M.D., MBA

President & CEO, Lee Health

Thank you for your support. Together we are Caring People. Inspiring Health.