Covid 19 Vaccination Procedures
 

I have searched the Florida Department of Health, Sumter County, and TOTV websites seeking specific information on how to get one of the vaccines to prevent Covid 19. I've found information on priorities, but nothing specific regarding how you know when you qualify and can go to one of the centers to get the shots. Looking for some useful information and not a discussion on the vaccines' merits.

Most of us are category 1c
 

I believe it's TBD. The healthcare and essential workers that are 1a and 1b comprise several million people who will get the vaccine before the 40 plus million of us, so there will be a time lag.
I would like to comment on yesterdays thread about worries with a speedy vaccine. The first major reason the 2 are out so fast is it is totally new technology with the messenger ribonucleic acid versus chicken embryos. Much faster, and possibly safer. However still had to go through test populations for side effects and efficacy.

Last week our primaryt care physician said she did not know when our turn will be or the mechanism.
Hopefully the J & J vaccine will be approved soon so another source of the vaccine will speed things up

I found lots of information. It all says the same thing: they will announce it when they're ready to roll the vaccine out to more people.

So, check the news, check the Florida health department, check your doctor's website (if they have one), check the CDC website.

You'll know if your qualify because they'll announce something like this:

If you are age 65 or older, and live in any of THESE counties (with a list of counties) then you are eligible for the next batch of vaccines. Check your local provider for availability.

That means - you may get one. Whether or not you CAN get one will depend on whether or not the providers in the area have them available to give you, by the time you get to the front of the line.

I’m good with the wait, why worry about what is not available yet. Procedure will be put in place, appointments will become available, if it’s March, or July so be it. Retired can stay in place, still get a check deposited into their checking.

My wish is those who are in Education, Law enforcement, Military, delivery people, grocery, restaurants, retail be next. They depend on that income.

Without them your world come to a stop.

An initial objective should be to vacinate those most likely to end up in the hospital.

Agreed. Vaccinate those who are on the front lines fighting this pandemic and those who have no choice, regardless of age, but to work. Those are the people who are holding our economy together, don't have the ability to stay home and make it easier for retired people to venture out occasionally. Even though I am old enough and have other medical issues to qualify as an "at risk" group, I don't think my age should move me up in line just because I'm being inconvenienced, or am bored. I, along with so many other older and retired people, can simply continue to stay at home or minimize my interactions. To insist I be vaccinated, so I can get back to my old normal routines quicker, ahead of the ones mentioned previously - is just being selfish IMHO.

Check this out! They are vaccinating those 65 and older and some health care people down in Lee County by Ft Myers tomorrow. No appointments no preregistration! Just show up. I hope they don’t do it that way here! It will be interesting to see how that worked out for them tomorrow.

Lee County COVID-19 vaccinations begin Monday for people 65 and older

It's about 700,000 doctors nurses etc. Then 4 million seniors . Just to be factual . But older with pre existing conditions are at front of line.

Thank you for posting.

Going to be a long while before the vaccine is given to the regular public. Firts responders, assisted living, nursing homes etc are all first. Then maybe you can get in line. I heard maybe around June or so

This was printed in the Villages News......The Villages Health, in conjunction with the local Department of Health, the University of Florida hospitals and others are working to put together a plan for a community-based broad vaccination program. He said residents can expect to see a program that requires an online signup, followed by drive-through vaccination areas with space for 15-minute observation after the vaccine is administered, and an automated reminder system for the second dose.

Totally agree! I was in Publix over the weekend and there was that 20 something person responding to questions from people without masks. I could leave that that store if I was uncomfortable, she stays and earns her minimum wage. She should have that vaccine before I do.

Have you noticed any restrictions in regard to Florida residency, or residency in a particular county, please?

Perhaps there's a protocol...
 

that would allow you(if chosen before this 20 something person)to put them ahead of you when it's your turn to receive that vaccine. You could check with the local hospital or CDC.

Part-time residency status
 

I will be watching for information on this as well. We live in our home here in the Villages 4 or 5 months of the year but are “legal” residents of PA. If vaccination available in next couple of months will we be able to get one here?

I received an email from Winn-Dixie which stated that they would have the vaccine available, but no time line or registration procedure was given. I suppose other pharmacies will also participate.

Also agree.
 

As much as I anticipate getting vaccinated I would have to agree with that sentiment. “Essential” workers who are frequently in contact with the public while holding our economy and society together should be first in line.

Yesterday, on the Orlando TV news, they stated that Orange County was to announce their plan to vaccinate its senior citizens on Monday (12/28). I do not believe that any of the counties in the tri-county area have announced their plans.

Saw this this morning.

Sumter County Health Department Public Information Officer Megan McCarthy • 39 min ago
COVID-19 Vaccinations. The Sumter County Health Department is committed to providing the COVID-19 vaccine to each priority group as well as the general public as quickly as possible. Following the initial distributions to high-risk frontline health care workers and long-term care facility staff and residents, the health department will work to provide vaccine to additional priority groups. There is no list, line, or registry available for individuals to sign up with to receive the vaccine through the Sumter County Health Department at this time. Updates on how residents will be able to receive the vaccine will be announced as soon as those plans become available.

Like many other things, I am thankful that it is not my duty to make the decisions nor be subject to people criticizing the decisions made.

Selfish? You/we only need to read about the Titanic and so many other events. The band, knowing that death was likely, continued to play. The first class passengers, the wealthy were direct to life boats first. Women and children first? We would likely say the same today. Women's lib? Oh and there were guys who decided their lives were more important
than women, children or anyone but them.

"I would like to comment on yesterdays thread about worries with a speedy vaccine. The first major reason the 2 are out so fast is it is totally new technology with the messenger ribonucleic acid."
Another major reason is that scientists around the world have been working on the development of RNA vaccines since the SARS outbreak in 2003. The COVID-19 vaccine is just the culmination of many years of scientific endeavour.

If they do NOT do it with some preregistration method or some chance or lottery system - it could be a disaster. And a waste of time for many people.

Seminole County
 

WFTV reported today:


SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — Seminole County opened one of the state’s first public vaccination sites at the Oviedo Mall on Monday.

For now, appointments to get the vaccine at the site are limited to those 65 or older.

It took about six hours for this week’s appointments to become fully booked.


The county is accepting appointments for next week, but it said its website to register for a vaccine is currently down and its phone lines are very busy.

“We appreciate your patience as we work through these issues,” the county said in a tweet.


Those who snagged an appointment will need to drive to the north end of Oviedo Mall. From there, they will be told where to go next.

You do not have to live in Seminole County or Florida to sign up to receive the vaccine at the mall.
Qualifying individuals can go directly to EventBrite to book your COVID-19 vaccine appointment

What would be the point or advantage of drive-through administration of a vaccine? There seem to be many disadvantages.

On the eventbrite dot com website it looks like all the appointment slots through the end of 1/9/2021 are gone already for the Seminole county area. From there web site:

COVID-19 Vaccination Site Sign up for Individuals 65+
About this Event
Vaccination is for anyone ages 65 years and older. Individuals under age 65 will not be vaccinated.

Please bring your ticket with you in order to receive vaccination.

Each person receiving vaccination is required to sign up for an appointment.

Each person must bring a form of identification (driver's license, SSN, passport etc.).

NOTE: You MAY experience some side effects like; Pain or swelling on the arm where you got the shot. Or fever, chills, tiredness, or Headache throughout the rest of your body.

The biggest advantage is people will be able to stay safe by social distancing.

They did the same thing for the Bonita Beach area a few days ago. They just announced over the radio that anyone over 65 could be vaccinated - no paperwork needed. My former supervisor got his shot there. Just show up and you get your vaccine shot.
Also in Alachua County they did this.
Why aren't we getting any? I was told by CVS that we MIGHT get the vaccine in April! I saw where the developer and his family and friends got their vaccine shots.

My God !!!!

Stop the whining !!!!

We’ll be notified when they become available to us.......

In the press conference today after the facility in Lee County ran out of vaccines it seems it was somewhat a disaster. People camped out for the start of giving the vaccine which began at 2:00pm. Many of the people looked well over 65 years old and were wrapped up in sleeping bags and blankets. It sounded like they ran out of the vaccine and some people that had been in line did not get theirs.
When asked about if the people that got the first one were guaranteed a second dose and would they have to get in line again they did not have an answer yet as to how they would handle that. :pray:

Lee County today 12 28 2020
 

Here is what WINK TV had to say:
""The county said they talked about making vaccinations “appointment only” to avoid the long lines, but it became too complicated.
There were already hundreds lining up hours before the vaccinations were to start. Some people arrived and promptly left once they saw the line. Others wanted to ensure they get their vaccine and showed up Sunday evening to secure their spot. The wait was worth it because to them, the vaccine is a sign of hope.""

So the chaos comes straight from the top.

Of course this my not apply now, but the following was my experience during the Swine Flu epidemic. I could not find the vaccine in NJ but visited my daughter in Ohio where it was available and received it there, despite being a resident of NJ.

It seems otherwiaw according to The FL Governator's recent executive order. They are already vaccinating 65+ "regular folks" in a few counties. He knows where the State's largest voting block is.

Executive order (file attached):

NOW, THEREFORE, I, RON DESANTIS, as Governor of Florida, by virtue of the
authority vested in me by Article IV, Section I (a) of the Florida Constitution and by the Florida
Emergency Management Act, as amended, and all other applicable laws. promulgate the following
Executive Order:
During this first phase of vaccine administration. all providers administering any COVID-
19 vaccine shall only vaccinate the fo llowing populations:
• Long-term care facility res idents and staff;
• Persons 65 years of age and older; and
• Health care personel with direct patient contact.

Earlier in the week, DeSantis said he planned to prioritize the state’s older residents before essential workers such as firefighters, teachers and grocery store workers.

Just posted in villages news.com.... Marion County residents ages 65 and older will soon be able to get their first COVID-19 vaccination.

The Department of Health in Marion County is slated to receive its first shipment of COVID-19 vaccine for those residents this week and is starting the signup process for people who would like to be vaccinated.

To request vaccination by the health department, go to Microsoft Forms and complete and submit the requested information form. If you do not have computer access, you can call the Marion County COVID-19 hotline at (352) 644-2590 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and staff will submit the form online for you. (Note: DOH-Marion offices will be closed Dec. 31 and Jan. 1 in observance of the New Year holiday. Registration will only be available online on those days.)

COVID-19 vaccinations will be available on a first come, first served basis. Once eligible residents submit their information on DOH-Marion’s website, they will be placed in line for a call-back by staff to set an appointment. Staff will call to schedule a vaccination appointment as vaccines become available.

I heard about that also. That is the kind of thing that I dislike - when greedy people already have many advantages and they want MORE and MORE ! If you are wearing scrubs because you work in a hospital, or at a long-term residential facility, or are 75 years old you have a reason to get a shot early. If you are under 75 and you work WEARING a SUIT, you deserve to WAIT for your TURN.

Confusion and lack of planning done by the local professional (they got paid and screwed up) leaders twisted up citizens' lives, who paid with their time and received NOTHING. I saw it coming from many miles away. All the computers and technology could NOT prevent stupidity from reigning supreme. All part of our national nightmare!

Useful information. The vaccine has not been tested. Most vaccines take years to determine their effectiveness and side affects. Never been tested on animals, pregnant women or their offspring. If you take this vaccine, you are crazy.

Ahhhh another one who knows it all that will free up a space and make it easier for me. :) Oh wait! Maybe that's the idea. You're posting BS so you can get in line first. PLEASE, keep pushing this crap then anyone who truly wants one will get it faster. I'm sure you'd be begging for all those "untested" treatments if you were lying in a hospital bed hooked to a respirator.

Marion county just announced their sign-up process.

Oh it had been tested. It was tested by more than 70,000 people in double blind tests, EACH of them. Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZenaca.

The first two have now been received by over 140,000 Floridians who are still standing. I so dislike incorrect information.

P.S. The people most in danger of dying, those over 75, usually do not become pregnant. NO one is forcing anyone to get the shot. It is being given with some common sense, in tiers, first those in contact most with the sick public and then to those who have the highest mortality rate for the disease. It isn't a political choice. Granted, Florida has a LOT of olders, but it is being offered in the same way to all states. NO one is being forced. It is wonderful and desirable and much longed for by many good people who have waited and done all of the right things not to encourage spreading this virus that is more deadly to some than to others.