Nikki Ross|The Daytona Beach News-Journal
As coronavirus vaccinations slowly rollout across Florida and registrations fill up in minutes, here are some frequently asked questions about how to obtain the vaccine in Volusia and Flagler counties.
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Number of vaccinated residentsin Volusia and Flagler counties
As of Wednesday, 17,530vaccines in Volusia County and 3,372 dosesin Flagler County have been administered, according to the Florida Department of Health's vaccine report.
In Volusia County1,715 people have received their second dose and in Flagler County 284 people have received their second dose of the vaccine.
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How do I get a COVID-19 vaccine?
Vaccines are sporadically available for health-care workers, public safety workers and community members age 65 and older through the Florida Department of Health, AdventHealth,Halifax Health and select Publix locations. All locations are appointment only.
VOLUSIA:The County of Volusia is partnering with the Department of Health in Volusia County, the Volusia County Sheriff's Office andcities to identify sites for future vaccine events. However, specific details will not be announced until DOH-Volusia receivesvaccine shipments.As additional events are planned, information will be announced. The most recent location, the Volusia County Fairgrounds, had all appointments booked within minutes.
FLAGLER:When more appointments, and vaccines,become available,individuals 65 and older, as well as health-care workers, will be able to schedule their COVID-19 vaccinations by calling 386-313-4200. Appointments will take place at Cattleman’s Hall located at the Flagler County Fairgrounds,150 Sawgrass Road, Bunnell, weekday mornings.
PUBLIX IN VOLUSIA/FLAGLER:Make an appointment by clicking here.Customers also can confirm or cancel a scheduled COVID-19 vaccine appointment by contacting PublixCustomer Care at 1-800-242-1227.
More: These Publix in Volusia/Flagler will offer COVID-19 vaccinations by appointment
How much does it cost?
The Florida Department of Health does not charge for COVID-19 vaccines, which werepurchased by the federal government. However, other providers, such as AdventHealth and Halifax Health,may charge an administration fee.
Can I show up without an appointment?
The FDOH, Halifax Health,AdventHealth and Publixare currently providing vaccines through appointments only. Walk-ins are not accepted.
Where do I sign up?
Appointments for vaccines offered through the FDOH are available as vaccine sites are announced. Appointments are not being accepted at this time.
VOLUSIA:When a vaccination event is announced, a web address will be provided to make a reservation. For the latest information from Volusia County regarding COVID-19 vaccinations, checkVolusia.org/coronavirusor follow Volusia County Emergency Management on Facebook or Twitter. People can also download the Volusia County Emergency Management app, which isfree on the Google Play and iTunes App stores,and make sure their push notifications are turned on.
FLAGLER:The county will announce its next appointment availability a via press release and through the county's text alert service. Residents can sign up for text alerts by textingFLAGLERCOVIDto 888-777, and stay updated on vaccine availability and testing hours via text updates sent to their phones.
Do I have to leave my vehicle to get a vaccine?
VOLUSIA:The Deltona vaccination site does not require people to leave their vehicle.
FLAGLER:The Bunnell vaccination site does not require people to leave their vehicle.
Am I guaranteed toreceive my second dose?
VOLUSIA:The federal government has advised the states that they are holding back the vaccine for the second dose so that it’s available when that booster shot is needed.
FLAGLER:Flagler County Department of Health did not respond to questions regarding receiving the second dose of the vaccine. Both the Pfizer and the Moderna vaccine require a second shot.
Will I get an appointment for a second dose when I receive my first dose?
VOLUSIA:Those vaccinated by DOH-Volusia at a public site are advised to return to the same site for their booster vaccine. Each person who receives the initial vaccine will receive a vaccination record card. The due date for the booster is on the back of the card. The return date cannot be before 28 days. At the Deltona site, people will return on the date on their card at the same appointment time they had for their initial dose.
PUBLIX:Required second doses of the vaccine will be available at the same Publix pharmacy exactly 28 days following a first appointment. That appointment time will match the time of the first appointment and a notification for the follow-up appointment will be sent about one week prior to the second date.
Can I get a vaccine from my primary care physician?
Currently primary care physicians do not have access to vaccine.Health-care providers who want to administer the vaccine have been provided information from the state on how to register as a COVID-19 vaccine provider.
What organizations have received COVID-19vaccines in Volusia/Flagler?
Hospitals:Halifax Health has administered 4,303 vaccines, including 1,637 to employees.AdventHealth has administered about 10,000 vaccines in Volusia and Flagler Counties totheir employees, other healthcare workers and first responders.
Health Department events in Volusia County:The Florida Department of Health-Volusia was allocated4,900 vaccines. They gave out 4,034doses to seniors at distribution events in Daytona Beach and Deltona. Another 500 are scheduled to be given out Thursday in DeLand.
Health Department events in Flagler County:The Florida Department of Health-Flagler was given 1,700 vaccines. Halfwere distributed at anevent in Bunnell for healthcare workers and people 65 and older.
Long-term care facilities:CVS and Walgreens partnered with the federal government to distribute vaccines at nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Neither company would break down the data by county.
First responders:First responders and health department staff in Volusia County, including those administering vaccines, have received 366 doses from the health department's allocation. More first responders were vaccinated by the hospitals, which declined to provide precise numbers. In Flagler County, about 850 doses were given to first responders and health department employees.
Veterans:The Veterans Affairs outpatient clinic in Daytona Beach islisted by the VA as having receivedvaccines, but a spokesperson declined to say how many doses were administered. The VA reports distributing 73,000 doses to veterans and health care personnel at 18 sites in Florida since Dec. 14.
