Flagler County

Flagler County distributes vaccine to health care professionals

FLAGLER COUNTY, Fla. — On Monday, the Flagler County Department of Health received its first shipment of COVID-19 vaccine and began working with Flagler County Emergency Management to organize distribution.

Read: Florida reports more than 31,000 new COVID-19 cases, 220 virus-related deaths after New Year’s Day delay

The initial shipment was earmarked specifically for health care providers in the Flagler community, according to Heath Officer Robert Snyder and Emergency Management Director Jonathan Lord. Other priority groups, particularly those over 65, will begin to receive vaccinations in the coming weeks, as additional doses are delivered.

Read: Here’s where to find the COVID-19 vaccine in your county

“We are happy to share that paramedics, nurses and health department staff will receive their first doses of Moderna vaccine Tuesday,” said Snyder. “We will start vaccinating other priority groups as additional vaccines are provided.”

On Saturday, health care professionals who do not work directly for a hospital, nursing home or long-term care facility had the opportunity to receive the vaccination at the Flagler County Fairgrounds. Saturday’s group of workers included people with direct patient contact who work in doctor’s offices, clinics, dentist offices, home health care, urgent care, hospices and pharmacies.

As per Gov. Ron DeSantis’ most recent executive order, the next priority group will be people over the age of 65. Flagler County residents who meet this criterion can make appointments to be vaccinated starting in early January. This will depend on when the health department receives the next vaccine shipment.

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Starting Jan. 4, COVID-19 testing will resume between 1:30 and 3 p.m. weekdays across from 120 Airport Road. There will be no testing at Cattleman’s Hall that week. Flagler residents should note that there are other locations in Flagler County that provide COVID-19 testing, including two Mediquick locations, CentraCare and CVS Pharmacies. Please confirm with each site in advance as most require appointments for COVID testing.

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