[charmed59]

Originally Posted by toeser

There are also a ton of complaints about Sumter County and the vaccination rate in Sumter County is more than double that of Florida as a whole.

Which would be awesome if the percentage of those eligible to get a shot in Sumter County is more than triple that of Florida as a whole.

We have a lot of seniors. Over 60% of Sumter County is seniors. Even for Florida that is odd.

So even though we have a high vaccination rate overall (22% vs 13.3% statewide)
We have a so-so rate of vaccinating Seniors (34% vs 39% statewide)

So yes, we can be doing great and below average at the same time.

Good news is we are getting better everyday.

And my friends on the GMR list that were shut out of appointments when it closed are now being offered appointments (even though they don’t need them anymore). So GMR is running through their waitlist.

[Spalumbos62]

Originally Posted by Dr Winston O Boogie jr

For all of my Florida friends that are complaining about how bad things are here with regard to getting the Covid vaccine, did you know that Florida is number on in the nation for shots in the arm per capita? I know that many are frustrated but you have to realize that only a certain amount of doses are sent to the state with each delivery. Depending on how many are sent, 6 to 10 times as many people are applying for them. As more and more people get vaccinated, the odds will improve. The logistical difficulty related to these vaccines are unprecedented. The last time something like this was tried was the Salk polio vaccine and that was distributed through the school system. It was easy as it didn't require storage and transportation at sub freezing temperature and the kids were all in school. This vaccine presents many more difficult challenges. As of now, about 40% of Florida residents over the age of 65 have been vaccinated. I'd say that pretty good for the first six weeks or so. By using retail establishments, super markets, pharmacies and the distribution system here is far better than any other state. So as bad as you think things might be here, be thankful that you don't live in places like New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts or California where their system is truly screwed up. Florida is doing a great job with this vaccine.

You are not kidding!! We want to get down to our home in TV, from NY, but feel we should have the shot first. Doesnt matter if you get up at 4am and try to register, no slots for shots. Right now its into april. Oh well, guess we'll watch some more Netflix before the 14" of snow blows in tonight!.....lol. count your blessings 😉

[Carlsondm]

Sumter County is often mentioned for its handling of covid vaccines.

Personally we think they did an exceptional job by locating and hiring a national medical data handling firm to work with them on the vaccines. They have had a few supply and weather challenges, but they have used supplies as they come in and are communicating better and better.
FYI I started my Mission Covid Vaccine by posting a map of Florida counties in front of my computer. Then I methodically searched the health departments for vaccine information. Certain counties only vaccinate residents, so I concentrated on others. I signed up on Lake county and several others open to Florida residents. Sumter announced a new site that same night. We signed up and received a note and appointment invite the next morning. Very responsive, I would say. I had some verification questions about Global, and Sumter called me back within hours to calm my suspicious side.

I would thank Sumter County for doing an excellent job with resources at hand.

I worked for Michigan DPH in my former life!

[charlieo1126@gmail.com]

I’m getting my second shot Wednesday at Va but I know many people who have gone down to the Grove Land site in morning without appointment and then we’re given an appointment for second shot in afternoons

[Eebnhab]

Not sure where you are getting your information, but according to the CDC, Alaska actually has the highest per capita vaccination rate CDC COVID Data Tracker
It is possible Florida has the highest rate for those over 65, but that is only because the population of 65+ individuals is higher in the state. Overall, vaccination rates in Florida are pretty average.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

Originally Posted by Eebnhab

Not sure where you are getting your information, but according to the CDC, Alaska actually has the highest per capita vaccination rate CDC COVID Data Tracker
It is possible Florida has the highest rate for those over 65, but that is only because the population of 65+ individuals is higher in the state. Overall, vaccination rates in Florida are pretty average.

It could be but if you look at the states that are leading according to many of these tracker sites, they are very small states population wise. Texas and Florida lead states that have significant population. It's easy for states like Alaska, West Virginia and Utah to distribute 300,000 shots as opposed to states like Florida and Texas that are dealing tens of millions of people.

[Byte1]

For those that continue to complain about the "system" I suppose you all have simple solutions to the "problem." When I heard about the availability of vaccines in the area, I started searching for a place and appointment for my spouse. It took almost two weeks, but I was able to secure appointments for both of us. I have also been contacted four times by other places where I had registered us. So, if you are not getting your spot, then either you are not trying hard enough or your time is near. Be patient. It is NOT the governor's fault that folks do not seek the vaccination. It is not his fault that the serum must be kept in special storage. It is not his fault that they are only producing a limited quantity and that limited amount has to be shared throughout the U.S. Be patient. If some of you spent as much time seeking a spot in line, as you do complaining about the "system" you would have had your shots weeks ago. Do the younger folks a favor and get it done so they can move up in line. There are some that are under 65 that really want to reenter society and still feel somewhat safe, so get your shots and get out of the way. If some of you do not wish to get the shot or wish to wait, that's fine. However, other folks want to get on with their lives and are waiting for you to sh** or get off the pot. America has been put in suspended animation for a year and Americans are anxious to get back to living again.

Thanks to the OP for a positive update. For those that wish to argue, get over it. WE know you will never be happy or satisfied regardless of the news. Some folks are just content with being miserable. After 70 years of hard knocks and blessings, I am intent on being happy for the little I may have left. If you wish to spend your last days on earth being miserable, America is still a free country.
There are plenty of folks out here that will assist others in getting their inoculation appointment. I bet everyone in the villages, has at least one neighbor that is computer savvy enough to assist you. If you are reluctant, then keep contacting your personal doctor for updates. The more serum available the more places to get shot. J&J will be available shortly and it will be easier to obtain.
Don't worry, be happy.

[john352]

Originally Posted by Dr Winston O Boogie jr

For all of my Florida friends that are complaining about how bad things are here with regard to getting the Covid vaccine, did you know that Florida is number on in the nation for shots in the arm per capita? I know that many are frustrated but you have to realize that only a certain amount of doses are sent to the state with each delivery. Depending on how many are sent, 6 to 10 times as many people are applying for them. As more and more people get vaccinated, the odds will improve. The logistical difficulty related to these vaccines are unprecedented. The last time something like this was tried was the Salk polio vaccine and that was distributed through the school system. It was easy as it didn't require storage and transportation at sub freezing temperature and the kids were all in school. This vaccine presents many more difficult challenges. As of now, about 40% of Florida residents over the age of 65 have been vaccinated. I'd say that pretty good for the first six weeks or so. By using retail establishments, super markets, pharmacies and the distribution system here is far better than any other state. So as bad as you think things might be here, be thankful that you don't live in places like New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts or California where their system is truly screwed up. Florida is doing a great job with this vaccine.

Using the numbers from the State of Florida Health Department as of the end of day Feb 13, only 16% of 65+ Floridians have complete the series of two shots; 23% have completed only one shot.

[Bill14564]

Originally Posted by john352

Using the numbers from the State of Florida Health Department as of the end of day Feb 13, only 16% of 65+ Floridians have complete the series of two shots; 23% have completed only one shot.

Can you provide a link to that particular report? The vaccination reports I can find show total numbers of vaccinations but no information on the number of people in the 65+ age group. There must be a page I am not seeing.

[Aloha1]

Originally Posted by villageuser

Not sure from where you got your data. This is as of Feb 12: States ranked by percentage of COVID-19 vaccines administered: Feb. 12
Florida was #24

Your reference refers to shots administered versus doses received. Florida is holding the ones require for second shots so your article is not relevant.

We are on three waiting lists for our first shot and haven’t heard anything. Publix was giving out about 20 shots yesterday at Southern Trace but their website says everything is booked.

[coffeebean]

Originally Posted by cathiehines

But I'm sure you still want me to keep wearing the mask, which has no science behind it, to protect you.

There most certainly is science behind wearing masks although agree there is some but little protection for the wearer of the mask. I do not claim to be an expert on the subject but I read and have seen many videos demonstrating how aerosols swarm into the air by someone just breathing. Those aerosols may contain virus particles which is how an airborne virus spreads.

Have you seen the videos using infrared cameras that show exactly how masks minimize and withhold droplets and aerosols from spewing out into the air? My goodness, that, for me, made me a believer very early on in this pandemic......something I could actually SEE how masks work. And.........that is with home made cloth masks too.

You put two people, face to face separated by a minimum of 6 feet and there is so little risk of transmitting or contracting the virus. There must be a reason why immunologists and infectious disease experts have pleaded with us to cover our faces and keep our distance in public.

[jimjamuser]

Originally Posted by charmed59

We also lead the state in the number of folks eligible (over 65) to get the vaccine. By a lot.

Of those 65 and older who have at gotten at least the first vaccine we are lagging the state average. State average is 38%. We are at 33%.

Of those 85 and over we are failing miserably. State average is 36%, we are at 23%

I suspect the reason is those closer to 65 are willing to travel to get their vaccines while those 85 and over are less able to travel.

It would have been better to vaccinate the over 85 1st to keep the hospitals from becoming overcrowded. Too late now.

[SusanKD]

I agree Florida is going like gang bursterscin shot distribution. In talking to my friends in Virginia here is way faster moving. So be pleased that your governor is pushing to get it vaccine out to everyone as fast as possible!

[jimjamuser]

Originally Posted by Dr Winston O Boogie jr

I would guess that just like any other vaccine those that chose not to take it will be a very small minority. Once everyone in this state is vaccinated there will be no need to wear masks and social distance. As for those that refuse it, at that point they are only a danger to themselves.

While people in Massachusetts certainly have been vaccinated the number is low compared to Florida. You might as well say that other people in Florida have received both their shots but you haven't. What's your point? As I stated, people over the age of 65 have between a one out of six and one out of ten chance of getting the vaccine depending on how many doses are sent by the federal government.

Florida is doing a better job of getting those vaccines in the arms of people than any other state.

I disagree with the statement that, "anti-vaxxers are only a danger to themselves. The Virus will continue to spread among them and thus can mutate. Those with shots may run out of protection from this variety after SOME (?) period of time (maybe 1 year or even less). And could be unprotected sooner depending on how fast and effective the Virus mutates. The statement that "no man is an island" may apply here.