FORT WALTON BEACH, Fla. — Okaloosa County is trailing both the state and nation in the percentage of residents who have been vaccinated against COVID-19.
While nearly 80 percent of Okaloosa’s seniors aged 65+ have received at least one vaccination, its overall vaccination rate stands at 37 percent, Okaloosa County Health Department Director Dr. Karen Chapman reported this week.
In comparison, the average percentage of residents who have received at least one vaccine shot stands at 48 percent in Florida, and 44 percent nationally.
While vaccines and vaccination events remain abundant, demand is less so with many living in Okaloosa County.
Here in Okaloosa, 42 percent of those aged 45-64 have received at least one shot.
The percentage is lower for younger people.
Currently, 18 percent of residents aged 25-44 have received at least one shot and only 12 percent of people aged 16-24.
All vaccines are free whether it is obtained from the health department, a pharmacy, doctor’s office, or any other provider.
