West Palm Beach, Florida – The Florida Department of Health in Palm Beach County announced Tuesday that residents age 65 and older can call to schedule an appointment for a COVID-19 vaccine, but the number does not work at noon.
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The DOH posted a number, 561-625-5180, on their website, but spokesman Alex Shaw later said the helpline is currently faulty and working to resolve the issues.
“Our scheduling line can only take 150 calls at a time and is currently overwhelmed,” Shaw said.
The Palm Beach County Health Department says the hotline for seniors to make vaccination appointments is down after it has been “overwhelmed” by calls.
– Matt Sczesny WPTV (@WPTVMatt) December 29, 2020
Health officials say they are encouraged by the high demand for the vaccine, but limited doses are available.
The Florida Department of Health in Palm Beach County said it is expanding its infrastructure to meet high demand.
A tweet from the department then instructed people to “call back next week.”
Our appointment line has been overwhelmed. The number is correct. Please call back next week.
– HealthyFLPBC (@HealthyFLPBC) December 29, 2020
The DOH in Palm Beach County is currently focusing on meeting all current appointments and completing vaccinations for front-line health care workers.
Patients are encouraged to speak with their primary care provider to answer questions about the vaccine before receiving it.
Dr. David Dodson said Tuesday that demand for the vaccine is growing.
“Our office is flooded with calls right now, with people wanting to get the vaccine,” Dodson said.
Dr. Alina Alonso, head of the Florida Department of Health in Palm Beach County, said earlier this month that the Moderna vaccine is distributed in the county.
Health workers at several hospitals in the county he began to be vaccinated last week.
“Physicians ‘offices must be registered with Florida SHOTS, this is the nationwide registration of the vaccine, and then we assume that once the vaccine is available, it will go to physicians’ offices and CVS and Walgreens pharmacies for distribution,” Dodson said.
He expects this to probably happen between February and April, depending on how quickly the vaccines can be made and whether more drug manufacturers are getting approval.
Dr. Larry Bush of the Palm Beach County Medical Society is investigating the trial for the AstraZeneca vaccine.
“The advantage of these near-end vaccines, now AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson, is at least AstraZeneca … has millions and millions of doses already made and ready to ship. Two, it doesn’t need special transportation. It can stay in refrigerator for six months, “Bush said.
Doctors believe that widespread vaccination could take place by spring.
Those with additional questions about the vaccine can call 1-866-779-6121 or email [email protected].