Pensacola, Fla. – The Florida Department of Health in Escambia County (FDOH-Escambia) is announcing this week’s COVID-19 vaccine distribution plan in Escambia County. Vaccines allocated by the State are being distributed through County Health Departments. We are following the guidance from the Governor’s Executive Order and the DOH State Health Office’s vaccination plan.

The Governor’s Executive Order 21-62 states that effective Mar. 15, 2021: “During this first phase of vaccine administration, all providers administering any COVID-19 vaccine shall only vaccinate the following populations:

• Long-term care facility residents and staff;
• Persons 60 years of age and older;
• Health care personnel with direct patient contact;
• K-12 school employees 50 years of age and older;
• Sworn law enforcement officers 50 year of age and older; and
• Firefighters 50 year of age and older.

All individuals authorized by law to administer COVID-19 vaccinations may vaccinate persons determined by a physician to be extremely vulnerable to COVID-19. Such physician determinations shall include a statement that the patient meets the defined eligibility criteria established by a form prescribed by the Florida Department of Health.”

FDOH-Escambia was notified they would be receiving an allocation of 2,500 doses of the COVID-19 Moderna vaccine and 500 doses of the COVID-19 Johnson and Johnson vaccine for the week of March 15, 2021. We are coordinating with community partners on distribution efforts.

In partnership with Ascension Sacred Heart, Baptist Health Care and West Florida Hospital, FDOH-Escambia is distributing vaccine in Escambia County. FDOH-Escambia’s total allocation will be distributed accordingly:

• Ascension Sacred Heart: 700 doses
• Baptist Health Care: 800 doses
• FDOH-Escambia: 1,300 doses
• West Florida Hospital: 200 doses

Some appointments will be scheduled using the statewide pre-registration system. FDOH-Escambia and partner organizations are in the process of contacting individuals to schedule appointments.

Statewide Preregistration System for COVID-19 Vaccine Appointments

FDOH-Escambia is using the statewide preregistration system to schedule COVID-19 vaccine appointments. Escambia County residents should use the statewide preregistration system to sign up. Residents can call the toll-free line at, 866-201-1025 or preregister online at myvaccine.fl.gov. The TTY number for the deaf and hard of hearing is 833-476-1461. Registrants will be notified when appointments are available in their area. The State has established a help line at 833-959-0217 for those who need to make changes to their original preregistration.

This preregistration system will proactively contact vaccine-eligible individuals to schedule appointments when they are available at health department or emergency management vaccine sites. Appointments are opened based upon the vaccine supply received each week from the State of Florida. It is important to know that the scheduling process will not involve collecting any payment or other financial information. Do not give any bank account, credit card, or any other type of payment to anyone, and report the caller to the Attorney General’s Office by calling 866-9NO-SCAM or visiting MyFloridaLegal.com.

For More Information on 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 all 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.

For information about FDOH-Escambia and COVID-19, visit EscambiaHealth.com or follow us on Twitter at @HealthyEscambia for vaccine updates and new information.

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About the Florida Department of Health

The Florida Department of Health, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.

Follow us on Twitter at @HealthyEscambia and on Facebook. For more information about the Florida Department of Health please visit www.FloridaHealth.gov.