Orlando commissioner assists with registration, transportation to Walmart vaccine site

New vaccination site to open near Pine Hills

The Orange County Convention Center just hit a milestone, with 100,000 coronavirus vaccines distributed. However, some people can't get there, so a new site is opening up near Pine Hills.

Orlando, FL(FOX 35 Orlando) - A new coronavirus vaccine site opens in Orlando on Thursday, and a local commissioner is also helping people to register and get transportation to and from the location.

A Walmart off of Princeton Street will serve as a drive-up vaccination site for people 65 and up, as well as health care workers and long-term care staff who have direct contact with patients. The company is holding vaccine events in locations with those deemed most vulnerable and underserved.

"My mom, she’s 75, so it's nice to have those around," said Orlando resident Margaret Bell.

The popup site was pushed by Orlando Commissioner Bakari Burns. He said he talked to Walmart executives and then went door-to-door, looking for seniors who needed help scheduling an appointment.

"The ease of getting an appointment is going to be key, because so many of our seniors are not tech-savvy, don’t have access to the internet."

He added that his office is assisting 500 people but can help others as well. Seniors can also go to Walmart’s online portal to register.

"As more vaccines are available, I’m hoping that these pop-up sites remain in communities that are accessible in minority communities."

LIST: These Walmarts in Florida are offering the COVID-19 vaccine

Many like Bell, who lives in nearby Pine Hills, said it’s needed.

"It's easier because we live right there over Mercy [Drive], so this is a lot closer and it’s not as crowded as the other ones."

Orlando resident Kim Sparrow added, "I think there’s a whole lot of people that can’t get in a car and get out to the Convention Center and they need something in their neighborhoods."

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The drive-thru clinic will begin on February 25th. The store expects the event to last for several weeks, depending on vaccine supply.

You must meet one of the following criteria to be eligible for a vaccine: