ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — The portal for anyone over the age of 16 to sign up for the COVID-19 vaccine at the Orange County Convention Center site opened Friday morning.

The county said all 9,096 appointments were booked within 45 minutes.

READ: Coronavirus: Pfizer says latest research shows COVID-19 vaccine protection lasts at least six months

The county has not announced when more appointments will be made available.

Orange County officials said they’re trying to make this a party for high school- and college-aged people, even doing a car decorating contest to try and get people excited about the vaccine.

READ: ‘Breakthrough cases’: Some still getting COVID-19 after being vaccinated

Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings said he spoke with federal officials on Thursday, and is expecting a significant increase in the amount of vaccine doses we get by the end of the month.

More than 21% of Orange County’s total population has been vaccinated with at least one dose. More than 43% of the population 40 and older has been vaccinated.

READ: Florida reports largest COVID-19 case increase in nearly a month

Orange County Health Officer Dr. Raul Pino said the process needs to speed up, because we’re seeing a small increase in hospitalizations and an increase in cases among school-age children. And more than 50% of our current COVID-19 cases are ages 15 to 35.

The recovery rate remains at 96%.

>>> Click here to sign up <<<

Cox Media Group