Appointments still available for COVID vaccinations this week, more eligible

FORT WALTON BEACH, Fla.— More people are now eligible to be vaccinated during the first phase of vaccine administration. Any person, 16 years of age and older, who is deemed extremely vulnerable to COVID-19 by their physician may receive their vaccine at the DOH-Okaloosa drive-thru vaccination clinics.

This is in addition to persons 65 and older and health care workers with direct patient contact. Appointments are still available for vaccination clinics March 1-6.

Persons deemed extremely vulnerable to COVID-19, regardless of age, will need to bring a note either on their physician’s prescription pad or clinic letterhead. The document must include the physician’s typed name as well as signature and a statement that the named patient has been deemed extremely vulnerable to COVID-19 to the vaccination event. Persons under 65 years of age who present without a signed note meeting these criteria will not be vaccinated.

Appointments are still available over the phone and online through Eventbrite. To make an appointment call 850-344-0566 or visit myokaloosa.com/bcc/covid-19/vaccine to register with Eventbrite.

The vaccination provided will be the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine. A second dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine is required 21 days after the first dose. This dose will be scheduled at the first dose appointment. Medical experts and doctors have developed a safe and effective vaccine. This vaccine has been authorized by the Food and Drug Administration based on clinical testing.

According to data released by the Food and Drug Administration, the vaccines made by Moderna and Pfizer- BioNTech are highly protective for adults and prevents severe cases of COVID-19.  The COVID-19 vaccine is a monumental step toward getting this disease under control in Florida, but the department is still encouraging residents and visitors to take precautions to protect themselves and others from the spread of the virus. These include frequent hand washing, wearing face masks, maintaining six feet of social distancing, and staying home if you are feeling sick.

Updates will be added to DOH-Okaloosa website, www.HealthyOkaloosa.com. Information about the statewide vaccination distribution plan can be found on the Department of Health’s dedicated COVID-19 webpage.