‘The light at the end of the tunnel’: First COVID-19 vaccines administered at AdventHealth Daytona Beach

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine started on Monday at AdventHealth Daytona Beach.

The hospital now joins AdventHealth Orlando and AdventHealth Celebration as distribution sites for the vaccine for front line workers in Central Florida.

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“This is a major turning point in the fight against this pandemic,” said Dr. Dilip Arcot, an intensive care specialist at AdventHealth Daytona Beach, who was one of the first to receive the vaccine at the facility. “The fight against COVID-19 has been long and hard, but if everyone gets a vaccine when they are able, we will begin to see the light at the end of the tunnel.”

The hospital is distributing the Pfizer vaccine, with a shipment of the Moderna vaccine expected soon.

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“We’re thrilled to be able to add this additional layer of protection to our front line team members who have been working tirelessly to help keep this community safe,” said Dr. Joe Smith, chief medical officer of AdventHealth Daytona Beach. “It’s really a shot in the arm for our health care workers who have worked so long, and so hard to battle this virus throughout the year.”

Officials said the vaccines are not currently available to the general public because of limited supply, but some estimates predict that it will be more available in the spring.

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“This vaccine is safe and it offers hope, but it’s not time to let our guard down,” Smith said. “We really encourage everyone continue the good habits of wearing masks, socially distancing and frequent hand-washing — especially during the holidays.”

AdventHealth says COVID-19 vaccine rollout is ‘exceeding expectations’ AdventHealth gave an update Friday morning on the COVID-19 vaccines and its plans to distribute them in Central Florida. (, /WFTV)

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