SARASOTA COUNTY, Fla. — Editor's Note: This story has been updated with clarification from health leaders.
Sarasota's health department spokesperson is walking back comments made Monday about vaccine distribution efforts.
During a news conference via Zoom, Spokesperson Steve Huard indicated the county was told by the state that it would not be getting second doses of the COVID-19 vaccine this week. As a result, Huard said the county had to cancel vaccination appointments.
"We were told we were not allocated vaccine this week," Huard told reporters.
But, the county and the state have since clarified those remarks.
In fact, the county says Florida did ship vaccines to Sarasota County -- at least 1,000 doses this week. And appointments won't be canceled.
The only shakeup involves location. Due to logistics, some people scheduled to get vaccinated at the health department will now get their injections at another location.
"Second dose appointments at the Sarasota County Health Department HAVE NOT been cancelled," the Florida Department of Health wrote. "All appointments previously scheduled at the Health Department are being rescheduled to a different location. Sarasota and Manatee Counties are receiving vaccine this week."
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis boasted Monday on Twitter about how the state was prioritizing seniors "unlike many other states."
Based on vaccine trials, the second dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine should be given 21 days after the first shot. And, Moderna's 28 days later.
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