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These 6 local hospitals will open community COVID-19 vaccination sites

SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — Update: Orlando Health announced Monday evening that all their COVID-19 vaccine appointments have been taken. Click here for updates on when more doses will be available.


Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced Monday that six Central Florida hospitals will open community COVID-19 vaccination sites.

The sites will be opened at the following hospitals:

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

• Orlando Health South Seminole Hospital

• Orlando Health Dr. Phillips

• Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women & Babies

• Health Central Hospital

• Orlando Health South Lake Hospital

• Orlando Health St. Cloud Hospital

• Bayfront Health St. Petersburg

READ: Volusia County COVID-19 vaccine site reaches capacity as seniors line up for miles to get vaccinated

The governor said the community vaccination sites will make the vaccine more available to health care workers and people over 65.

Health care workers will be able to make an appointment at the Orlando Health hospitals. Click here to make an appointment.

READ: Volusia County COVID-19 vaccine site reaches capacity as seniors line up for miles to get vaccinated

The governor made four additional announcements during his new conference. Scroll down to watch the full news conference.

He said his administration is identifying state-run testing sites that can be converted into vaccination sites. They are also going to identify places of worship that will be able to distribute the vaccine.

READ: Trump urged Georgia secretary of state to ‘find’ votes during phone call

DeSantis said the Division of Emergency Management will add 1,000 additional nurses to help shorthanded staff administer the COVID-19 vaccine across the state.

He also announced that the state will continue to focus on administering the vaccine in long-term care facilities.

WATCH LIVE: Gov. DeSantis gives update from Seminole County hospital

WATCH LIVE: Gov. Ron DeSantis is giving an update from the Orlando Health South Seminole Hospital in Seminole County. DETAILS >>> at.wftv.com/35882z4

Posted by WFTV Channel 9 on Monday, January 4, 2021

DeSantis said all state-run vaccination sites will be open seven days a week.

The governor said his administration launched a pilot program this week to reach and administer the vaccine to underserved populations across Florida by working with community centers and churches.

He tweeted that the Brownsville Community Center is the first site and he expects to expand the program in the coming weeks.

Katlyn Brieskorn, WFTV.com

Katlyn Brieskorn is a Digital Assignment Editor at WFTV. She joined Channel 9 in July 2019.