Vaccine available to Jacksonville residents over the age of 65 starting Monday; appointments open Wednesday

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JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Appointments for Jacksonville residents age 65 and older and any medical worker who has not yet received the COVID-19 vaccine can receive the first dose of the vaccine starting Monday, according to the Florida Department of Health in Duval County.

Residents of Duval County who meet any of the criteria to obtain a vaccine can call for an appointment, starting at 8 o’clock on Wednesday. Appointment calls can be made between 8:00 and 17:00 each week, other than New Year’s Eve and the day. Call 904-253-1140 for an appointment, but remember that there may be long waiting periods to pass.

RELATED: COVID-19 Vaccine in Northeast Florida: What We Know by County

The vaccines will be administered at the Prime Osborn Convention Center. They are free and a second dose will be needed to make them as effective as possible.

Before making an appointment, know that:

  • Individuals must live in Duval County.
  • Proof of residence is required at the appointment (driving license, JEA invoice or other form of identification that displays the home address).
  • There are no toilets available for use during programming.

Jacksonville firefighters, who began receiving the vaccine last Thursday, will help with the shootings. Walk-ins will not be allowed.

Tawanda Washington, head of the COVID-19 incident at the health department and registered nurse, said the priority is to vaccinate people over the age of 65 quickly.

“We want to start vaccination as soon as possible, so we could see some of the people over 65 and over living in the community getting vaccinated before the new year, even if they are not in a long-term care facility.” , said Washington.

Washington said her team works with local hospitals to provide photos to health care providers who are not affiliated with hospitals. This would include locally run medical practices and pharmacies.

Washington said Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office staff, private ambulance crews and inmates will be at the top of the list. She said the Duval County Prison has a large population in a small area, so it’s important to get vaccinated there.

Rein Vandervelde, a physical therapist at home, said the arrival of the vaccine was a moment he was waiting for.

“We even take care of COVID patients who are not sick enough to go to the hospital, but they stay home and are quarantined,” Vandervelde said.

Vandervelde cares for many patients in their homes, including 65-year-old Dana Parker, who has been diagnosed with complex regional pain syndrome.

“I would feel so much better if I had (the vaccine),” Parker said. “I am not afraid of that. I’m more scared without that. “

RELATED: Clay County is starting to schedule vaccinations | St. Johns County will announce the plan soon

Some people working in the field of private health, such as Jacque Dennie, desperately want the vaccine and feel that they have fallen through the cracks.

“I just reached out to get answers for my nurses,” said Dennie of Fletcher’s Home Care. “She is not working in the hospital. He doesn’t work in nursing homes. And yet, they take care of children more than medically complicated in our area and would like the vaccine. “

Some Florida seniors began receiving vaccines on Tuesday. Seminole County became the first in the state when on Tuesday afternoon it started firing at the food court in the Oviedo shopping center.

Seminole County President Lee Constantine said. “It is a very interesting day for all of us and, especially, and, hopefully, for our residents. It is also a wonderful day for the state of Florida, because again, from now on, one blow at a time we will save lives. “

First-line workers at local hospitals began receiving gunshots two weeks ago at UF Health Jacksonville, followed by other medical centers. CVS and Walgreen are currently working with the state to vaccinate staff and residents at long-term care facilities.

News4Jax is working to learn more about vaccine schedules, availability and locations in Jacksonville and neighboring counties. We will have details about locations and times and how to register as soon as they become available.

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