Pensacola, Fla. – The Florida Department of Health in Escambia County (FDOH-Escambia) is taking part in COVID-19 vaccination efforts that prioritize Moderna immunizations for medical providers at high-risk for COVID-19 exposure and persons 65 years of age or older. We are following the guidance from the Governor’s Executive Order and the DOH State Health Office’s vaccination plan.As of Monday, January 4, 2021, FDOH-Escambia has distributed 1,439 of the original Moderna vaccine allotment.

FDOH-Escambia is coordinating vaccine administration with and to local health care providers and using onsite vaccination events to administer vaccines at older adult independent living facilities. Vaccination events were held on December 29, 2020 at Westminster Village and Englewood Senior Apartments and on December 30, 2020 at Brownsville Manor and Johnson Lakes Apartments. A total of 266 individuals were vaccinated at these events.

Additionally, the Florida Division of Emergency Management and FDOH-Escambia coordinated with Escambia County, Community Health Northwest Florida, Brownsville Community Church, Baptist Hospital, Sacred Heart Hospital and the state strike team to hold a vaccination event at the Brownsville Community Center on Sunday, January 3, 2021. At that event, 574 individuals were vaccinated. Vaccination vouchers were provided to adults 65 years and older through faith-based organizations that serve Brownsville and the surrounding area.

FDOH-Escambia is continuing to work with community partners to plan additional vaccination events as supply permits. As vaccination events and details are finalized, FDOH-Escambia will release more information on the events. COVID-19 vaccines from other manufacturers may be available for use at later dates as supplies reach the state.

FDOH-Escambia is requesting individuals 65 years of age and older, who are interested in getting vaccinated, fill out the COVID-19 Vaccination Request Form. This online form is being used for FDOH-Escambia’s vaccination planning and further communication efforts; it does not guarantee an appointment for vaccination. Please do not walk-in or call the FDOH-Escambia appointment line for the COVID-19 vaccine. If you need assistance with the online form, please call (850) 595-6500 option 6.

At this time, FDOH-Escambia’s COVID-19 vaccination appointments have reached capacity. Each form submission includes a time stamp, which will be taken into consideration when reaching out to provided information about vaccine availability or schedule appointments on a first come, first serve basis. When vaccine supply becomes available, FDOH-Escambia staff will resume scheduling appointments. We also encourage residents to take advantage of opportunities offered through other partners to get vaccinated and to follow us on Twitter at @healthyescambia for vaccine updates and new information.

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 testing visit escambia.floridahealth.gov or follow us on Twitter at @healthyescambia.

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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.