Day 2 of Collier County’s COVID-19 vaccine distribution goes smoothly

Long lines of cars in Collier County on Monday showed just how great the demand is for the COVID-19 vaccine.

People began lining up at 6 a.m. to get a shot, which the county began administering last week for those 65 and older, as well as frontline health care workers – but only if they had an appointment.

Among those getting their dose at the drive-thru vaccine clinic on Monday were Kenneth and Jackie Murray. It was a boring year for the couple.

“I’ve seen every Netflix movie on the planet,” Kenneth said with a laugh.

But they consider themselves fortunate.

“I have to say I’m one of the lucky ones; I’ve never had the disease,” Kenneth said.

And also because the Murrays were among the first seniors to get vaccinated for COVID-19 in Collier County.

“I feel terrific. Really happy to have gotten to this point, it’s a very exciting thing for us,” Jackie said.

They and 499 others got a dose of the Moderna vaccine at South Collier Regional Park on Monday.

“It was just great. The people are great and I think whoever administered this process did a great job,” Kenneth said.

LINK: Collier County’s COVID-19 vaccine waitlist

Thousands of others wait, some hoping to snag a spot on the county’s waitlist, which reserves your spot for only one date and time, depending on what you sign up for. You’ll receive an email if that spot opens.

Kristine Hollingsworth, spokesperson for the FDOH-Collier, said you have to move fast if a spot opens up.

“Once you receive that email, you have 12 hours to secure your appointment. Otherwise, it defaults to the next person.”

The county expects to get more vaccines soon, and appointments will reopen once that happens.

“Unfortunately we do not have that timeline at this point in time,” Hollingsworth said.

Until more are vaccinated, “I think we’ll still be cautious. We know we still need to wear a mask and protect ourselves and others,” Kenneth said.

FDOH-Collier said those who get that first dose can get their second 28 days later. They’ll email you 21 days after your first dose, asking you to make an appointment for the second.

To get on Collier County’s waitlist, go to this link, click the date you want to join the waitlist for, click “Register” and then click “Join Waitlist” at the bottom.