[SOUTH FLORIDA] – Broward and Pinellas Counties will serve as the two Florida counties taking part next week in a COVID-19 vaccination effort that will prioritize Pfizer-BioNTech immunizations for residents of skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) and those who provide their care.
This initial distribution of vaccines to protect Florida’s most vulnerable residents is expected as early as next week.
Per the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), LTCF residents and health care personnel are included in Phase 1 of the Florida vaccine distribution plan.
On Dec. 10, U.S. Food and Drug Administration advisers met to discuss the emergency authorization for the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine.
The third phase of the vaccine’s use in test participants demonstrated it was 95 percent effective following two doses.
“The COVID-19 vaccine is a sign of hope as we fight this pandemic in Florida,” said Dr. Paula Thaqi, director of the Florida Department of Health in Broward County (DOH-Broward).
“We are still encouraging residents and visitors to take common sense precautions to protect themselves from the spread of the virus. These include frequent hand washing, wearing masks, maintaining six feet of social distancing and staying home if you are feeling sick. These precautions are more important now than ever.”
“The arrival of the first doses of COVID-19 vaccines in Pinellas gives us another way to protect the most vulnerable Pinellas residents and healthcare workers who have been hard hit by the pandemic as well as those who provide their care,” said Dr. Ulyee Choe, director of the Florida Department of Health in Pinellas County (DOH-Pinellas).
“We are honored to be one of the first two Florida counties to begin the vaccination effort in the state.” As plans are finalized, DOH-Broward and DOH-Pinellas and will release more details on the vaccination plan. Paramedic teams will administer the vaccines. COVID-19 vaccines from other manufacturers will be available for use at later dates as supplies reach the state.
