This browser does not support the Video element.
Shipments of coronavirus vaccine delayed due to weather
The winter weather gripping much of the country is stranding shipments of the coronavirus vaccine headed for Florida. UPS and FedEx have hubs in Kentucky and Tennessee. That's where the shots are sorted and shipped across the country, but both states are locked down by snow ice and frigid temperatures.
ORLANDO, Fla. - Approximately 200,000 Moderna COVID-19 vaccines that were expected to arrive in Florida this week have been delayed, according to the Florida Division of Emergency Management. Weather conditions across the country are to blame.
Because of that, Publix said their regularly scheduled Wednesday online vaccine appointment portal will not be opening on Wednesday.
"The Florida Division of Emergency Management sent an email to all the emergency managers and also had a conference call this morning related to delays in getting the vaccine for those that hadn’t already received the vaccine. For us here in Seminole County, we already received our vaccine," Alan Harris, the Director of Seminole County Emergency Management said.
Seminole County is administering Pfizer vaccines right now. Because of the President’s Day holiday, the county received its vaccine shipment early on Friday and the rest on Tuesday.
The Florida Department of Health in Orange County said they are not expecting delays, and neither is Brevard County. Polk County said 12,500 doses of vaccine they were expecting on Tuesday are delayed.
RELATED: County-by-County: How to get the COVID-19 vaccine in Central Florida
A Florida Division of Emergency Management spokesperson tells FOX 35 News that what should have been delivered Tuesday is now expected to arrive on Thursday. The state is still expecting to receive the full allocation of vaccines for week 10.
This browser does not support the Video element.
Historic cold grips the nation
Winter weather has gripped the country, resulting in record cold temperatures across parts of Texas and power outages in the Midwest.
Publix wants to make it clear that no actual vaccine appointments have been canceled. If you have an appointment at one of their pharmacies on Thursday, those are not affected. Show up to your appointment as scheduled.
Winn-Dixie said their shipments are delayed too but have not spelled out how that’s affecting their vaccine operation.
Walmart had not responded to FOX 35 News at the time this article was published.
CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE CORONAVIRUS COVERAGE
Tune in to FOX 35 Orlando for the latest coronavirus news.
This browser does not support the Video element.