COVID-19 Vaccine Update
December 29, 2020
COVID-19 Vaccine for Leon County
Update April 14, 2021
JOHNSON & JOHNSON VACCINE PAUSED IN FLORIDA
The state of Florida is pausing all Johnson & Johnson (Jansenn) vaccines per the recommendation of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the time being. We have provided a link to learn more about the CDC and FDA guidance: https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2021/s0413-JJ-vaccine.html
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Update April 7, 2021
By order of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis all residents who qualify under the FDA are eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. The Pfizer vaccine is authorized for persons age 16 and over. The Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines are authorized for persons age 18 and over. All individuals under the age of 18 receiving a vaccine must be accompanied by a parent or guardian and complete a COVID-19 vaccine screening and consent form. Please click here to review the consent form before you arrive for your vaccination.
DOH Leon Schedule COVID-19 Vaccination Clinics
Update March 25, 2021
Governor Ron DeSantis Announces New Eligibility Guidelines for COVID-19 Vaccinations
Today, March 25, Governor Ron DeSantis announced new eligibility guidelines for COVID-19 vaccinations in Florida.
Beginning Monday, March 29, all individuals age 40 and older will be eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Beginning the following Monday, April 5, all individuals age 16 and older will be eligible to receive the vaccine.
Floridians are encouraged to pre-register at www.myvaccine.fl.gov. Once pre-registered, they'll be contacted when the vaccine is available in their area. Individuals can also call the vaccine preregistration phone number for their county. In Leon County call 866-200-3856 or for TTY (Text Telephone Relay) at 833-476-1455.
Vaccines are also available at 150 CVS locations, 125 Wal-Mart and Sam’s Club locations, more than 70 Winn Dixie locations, soon-to-be over 600 Walgreens pharmacies, and every single one of the 730 Publix pharmacies across the state.
Leon County residents can also find vaccination sites at https://cms.leoncountyfl.gov/covid-19/Vax-Map
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Update March 23, 2021
DOH Leon Continues “No Appointment Necessary” Vaccine Clinics for Eligible Groups
This week, The Department of Health in Leon County (DOH Leon) is sponsoring drive through Pfizer vaccination clinics for those who are eligible but do not have appointments, as it continues to administer doses to eligible residents with confirmed appointments through the statewide vaccine preregistration system: https://myvaccine.fl.gov/#/
With support from community partners, the clinic’s vaccine team is expanding COVID-19 drive-thru clinics to include those without appointments on the following dates:
Tuesday, March 23
Saturday, March 27
Vaccination clinics operate from 9 a.m. to 3: 30 p.m. at:
DOH Leon Administration Building
2965 Municipal Way
Tallahassee, FL 32304
The following groups are now eligible under Executive Order 21-67:
- Persons 50 years of age and older
- Persons determined to be extremely vulnerable by a physician (form required)
- Health care workers with direct patient contact
- Long-term care facility residents and staff
Note: If you have received a vaccine in the past 14 days you are requested to wait past this time prior to becoming vaccinated. Also, those who are eligible must provide a government issued photo ID, and if applicable proof of employment such as an identification badge.
Additional updates on local vaccine distribution will be communicated through the DOH Leon website http://leon.floridahealth.gov/, twitter account https://twitter.com/healthyleonfl and local media.
For any additional general questions about the vaccine at this time, the State COVID-19 Call Center can be reached by calling 1-866-779-6121 or emailing mailto:COVID-19@flhealth.gov and is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week or visit https://floridahealthcovid19.gov/.
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Update March 19, 2021
Beginning Monday, March 22, all individuals who are 50 years of age and older will be eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine in Leon County. To preregister for the vaccine visit: https://myvaccine.fl.gov
Preregistration at state-supported sites can also be completed over the phone by calling 866-200-3856. The TTY number for those who are deaf and hard of hearing is 833-476-1455.
We have provided a link below with full details of the Governor's executive order:
37_CHD_Leon:_files/executive-order-50-plus.pdf
Since the COVID-19 vaccine rollout began in late December, more than 60,000 people have been vaccinated in Leon County. 37,586 individuals have completed their series, and are now considered fully immunized against COVID-19.
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Update March 16, 2021
DOH Leon Opens No Appointment COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic for Eligible Groups
The Department of Health in Leon County (DOH Leon) is sponsoring a drive through vaccination clinic today for those who are eligible but do not have an appointment.
The clinic is administering the Pfizer vaccine today (March 16) until 3:30 p.m. at:
DOH Leon Administration Building
2965 Municipal Way
Tallahassee, FL 32304
At this time, the following groups are eligible to receive the vaccine:
- 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 years of age and older.
- Firefighters 50 years of age and older.
- Persons deemed to be extremely vulnerable by a physician with a required signed form.
Note: If you have received a vaccine in the past 14 days you are requested to wait past this time prior to becoming vaccinated.
Additional updates on local vaccine distribution will be communicated through the DOH Leon website http://leon.floridahealth.gov/, twitter account https://twitter.com/healthyleonfl and local media.
For any additional general questions about the vaccine at this time, the State COVID-19 Call Center can be reached by calling 1-866-779-6121 or emailing mailto:COVID-19@flhealth.gov and is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week or visit https://floridahealthcovid19.gov/.
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Update: March 15, 2021
At this time the following groups can request a COVID-19 vaccination appointment by any available options in Leon County.
- 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 years of age and older.
- Firefighters 50 years of age and older.
- Persons deemed to be extremely vulnerable to COVID-19 (signed form required see below).
Use the vaccine finder to find a site near you:
https://floridahealthcovid19.gov/vaccines/vaccine-locator/
Additional updates on local vaccine distribution will be communicated through this website http://leon.floridahealth.gov/, twitter account https://twitter.com/healthyleonfl and local media.
Make sure you speak with your primary care provider to answer any questions you have about the vaccine before you receive it.
For any additional general questions about the vaccine at this time, the State COVID-19 Call Center can be reached by calling 1-866-779-6121 or emailing mailto:COVID-19@flhealth.gov and is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week or visit https://floridahealthcovid19.gov/.
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Update March 12, 2021
Florida homebound seniors have a new way to request COVID-19 vaccine.
Many seniors who can’t drive or wait in a long line at a vaccine site can now send an email to the state to request a COVID-19 vaccine.
The email address is HomeboundVaccine@em.myflorida.com to sign up eligible seniors to have the vaccine come directly to them.
Governor Ron DeSantis announced this new option Thursday March 11, saying the state has vaccinated more than 1,500 homebound seniors to date.
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Update March 11, 2021
The DOH Leon vaccination team is working with partners and preparing to make adjustments as needed in response to an amended executive order signed by Governor DeSantis. Executive Order 21-62 lowers eligibility to individuals who are 60 years of age or older for COVID-19 vaccine during this first phase of distribution. Effective March 15, eligible individuals include:
- 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
- Firefighters 50 years of age and older
- Sworn law enforcement officers 50 years 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 determination requires a statement of eligibility form prescribed by the Florida Department of Health.
Click here for the physician’s form.
DOH Leon is postponing its COVID-19 vaccine clinic on Saturday March 13 due to a softening demand from priority groups now eligible for vaccines. The next clinic is scheduled for Tuesday March 16 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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Update March 3, 2021
The Florida Department of Health in Leon County (DOH Leon) is working with key community partners to expand our COVID-19 vaccination program in accordance with a new executive order signed by Governor DeSantis this week.
Executive order 21-47, effective March 3, 2021 expands eligibility requirements to include:
- Long-term care facility residents and staff
- Persons 65 years of age and older
- Health care personnel with direct patient contact
- K-12 school employees 50 years of age and older
- Firefighters 50 years of age and older
- Sworn law enforcement 50 years of age and older
- *Persons under 65 deemed medically vulnerable by a physician (form required and shared below)
*Vaccinations for this medically vulnerable group may only be administered by a physician, advanced practice registered nurse, or licensed pharmacist.
COVID 19 Determination of Extreme Vulnerability.pdf
To preregister for the vaccine visit: https://myvaccine.fl.gov
To register by phone call 866-200-3856
For those requiring TTY access call 833-476-1455.
There is a helpline for Leon County residents with questions about the statewide appointment system. Call 833-540-2054. Phone lines are open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Effective March 3, our partners at Florida A & M University are providing vaccines to eligible school personnel, firefighters, and law enforcement officers at the Al Lawson Center. Individuals must bring identification to verify their date of birth and place of employment, such as a badge. The clinic is also continuuing its program of vaccinating seniors who are 65 years of age and older, and health care workers who have direct contact with patients. The free, walkup vaccine site at FAMU is operated by the Florida Division of Emergency Management and the Florida Department of Health. The clinic is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The location is:
- Alfred Lawson Jr. Multipurpose Center
- 1800 Wahnish Way
- Tallahassee, FL 32310
Additional updates on vaccine distribution will be communicated through this website and local media.
For questions about the COVID-19 vaccine, the State COVID-19 Call Center can be reached by calling 1-866-779-6121 or emailing COVID-19@flhealth.gov and is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, or visit floridahealthcovid19.gov.
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Update February 18, 2021
Please see additional COVID-19 vaccine resources at the bottom of this page.
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Update February 1, 2021
The Florida Department of Health in Leon County (DOH Leon) is included in the new statewide COVID-19 vaccine pre-registration system announced on Friday, January 30. At this time, the department is working with our community partners and finalizing plans to transition to the new appointment system.
Although Leon County residents 65 and over can sign up now by visiting https://myvaccine.fl.gov/ it may be weeks before we are able to implement the system and for them to get a vaccine appointment. Those without internet access can register by calling 866-200-3856. For those requiring TTY access, the phone number is 833-476-1455.
The changes to come will not impact individuals who have made vaccine requests through the DOH Leon COVID-19 call center or registered a vaccine request online.
People who registered in the DOH Leon system, should have received an automated alert on January 8 letting them know their request for an appointment has been received. DOH Leon representatives are following up to notify individuals who could not be reached.
If you’ve already requested a vaccine appointment through DOH Leon, you do not need to sign up for the new COVID-19 vaccine appointment waiting list.
DOH Leon Health Officer Claudia Blackburn continues to ask for patience and understanding during this process. “We’re in a situation right now where there are many more who want to get the vaccine —and who are eligible for it— than there is vaccine to meet the need,” Blackburn says. “Our plan in Leon County is continue working with our partners to try to get as much vaccine as we can and administer it as rapidly and as safely as possible."
Please monitor our website for updated information as we phase into the new system: http://leon.floridahealth.gov/
We ask that you read and familiarize yourself with the COVID-19 vaccine screening and consent form before your appointment: COVID-19 Vaccine Screening and Consent Form
You'll find additonal vaccine resources for your awareness at the bottom of the screen.
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Update January 26, 2021
COMMON QUESTIONS:
I am 65 years old or older, how do I make an appointment to get the COVID-19 Vaccine?
The state has developed a new online pre-registration system for the COVID-19 vaccine, which can be found at https://myvaccine.fl.gov/
As outlined in Executive Order 20 – 315, individuals who are eligible for the vaccine in Florida are outlined below. If someone does not meet these eligibility requirements, they will not be able to pre-register.
- Long-term care facility residents and staff;
- Persons 65 years of age and older; and
- Health care personnel with direct patient contact.
- Persons deemed to be extremely vulnerable to COVID-19 by hospital providers
Those who don't have internet access can call 866-200-3856. For those requiring TTY access, the phone number is 833-476-1455.
DOH Leon is still finalizing details on how it will transition to the new appointment system.
I completed a vaccine request form through the DOH but have not heard from anyone. What should I do?
Volunteers are actively managing the vaccine request list of individuals who completed a vaccine request form. Individuals are being notified that they are in the DOH-Leon system and that someone will be calling them in the future to schedule an appointment based on vaccine availability. We are asking our senior community to be patient as we work through the 5,800 people remaining on our COVID-19 vaccine request list. First dose clinics are scheduled based on vaccine and staffing availability.
How can I find the time for my second dose appointment?The website shows the date, but not the time.
You will be notified by an automated telephone or text message and you will be provided specific instructions for the second dose appointment. If you do not confirm receipt of the message and the appointment, someone will call you to give you an appointment time.
How are left-over doses from open vials being distributed?
No doses are wasted. We have a waiting list of individuals from our list who are interested in receiving the vaccine. If the DOH-Leon vaccine clinic has a larger quantity of extra doses, we transfer it to a community partner.
We received a call from DOH acknowledging receipt of our request for a first dose appointment but haven't heard anything since. When can we expect to hear about our first dose appointment?
This is going to take some time. DOH Leon is working with community partners to contact individuals who submitted the vaccine request form in the order that they were received. Due to the extremely high volume of requests, DOH Leon is advising individuals to expect delays. Since you submitted the form and received a confirmation, then you are in our system, and you will be contacted in the future to schedule an appointment based on the availability of vaccine.
Do I need to wear a mask and avoid close contact with others if I've received two doses of vaccine?
Yes. Not enough information is currently available to say if or when the CDC will stop recommending that people wear masks and avoid close contact with others to help prevent the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19.
While experts learn more about the protection that COVID-19 vaccines provide under real-life conditions it will be important for everyone to continue using all of the tools available to help stop the pandemic: Wear a mask over your nose and mouth; Stay at least six feet away from others; Avoid crowds; Avoid poorly ventilated spaces; and Wash hands often.
My second dose appointment for the Pfizer vaccine is not within the 21 day time between doses that was originally recommended by Pfizer. My second dose is 28 days later. Is this acceptable?
Yes. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has updated its recommendations on intervals between the first and second dose, and 28 days is within the allowed time line. Up to a six-week time frame between administration of the first and second doses of both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are acceptable.
You can read more about the new CDC recommendations here:
https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/info-by-product/clinical-considerations.html
I am not a resident yet I received the COVID-19 vaccine in Florida. Will non-residents who have appointments for the second shot still be allowed to receive the second dosage?
Yes, even though Florida is now requiring proof of residency to get a shot here, no one will be abandoned. The Florida Department of Health says anyone who got their first dose here is guaranteed their second vaccination here, too.
I am in need of my second dose but do not have an appointment. When will I receive my second dose?
If you received your first dose through DOH Leon, we will contact you to schedule your second dose. Be sure to answer your phone when it rings, as vaccine volunteers will not leave voicemail messages. Volunteers may call from non-850 area codes or may appear as “no caller ID” or as “unknown."
If you did not receive your first dose from DOH-Leon, you will need to get your second dose from wherever you received your first dose, or by some other option.
What happens if I am not able to answer my phone when a vaccine representative calls me?
Even if you're not able to answer your phone when a vaccine volunteer representative calls to schedule your COVID-19 vaccine appointment, your name will remain on the master list. Volunteers will periodically call back to attempt to schedule an appointment but will not leave voicemails. So, be sure to answer your phone when it rings if you're waiting for COVID-19 vaccine.
What side effects are possible after receiving the vaccine?
Please see this page from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for more information:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/expect/after.html
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Updated 1-19-2021
Thank you for contacting the Florida Department of Health in Leon County (DOH-Leon), and for your interest in the COVID-19 Vaccine.
The Florida Department of Health in Leon County (DOH-Leon) is working closely with community partners to fulfill a large waitlist of individuals who have requested an appointment for the COVID-19 vaccine.
During the initial vaccine rollout in late December, DOH-Leon received more than 16,000 requests for vaccine appointments. Staff at DOH-Leon and community partners are scheduling appointments as quickly as possible, based on vaccine availability.
After all of these requests have been fulfilled, future appointments will be made available through a new COVID-19 vaccine appointment scheduling system. Details will be provided as soon as they are finalized.
Our local vaccine request helpline is currently full and closed for COVID-19 vaccine requests as we work to transition to the new appointment system.
Please do not show up at any of our Florida Department of Health locations for a vaccine, or to request an appointment.
Please arrive no earlier than 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment.
Also, as you await your call and before you arrive for your vaccination, please take some time to read the vaccines information and other additional COVID-19 vaccine resources we have provided below.
Additional updates on local vaccine distribution will be communicated through this website: http://leon.floridahealth.gov/ Twitter: @healthyleonfl; Nextdoor; and local media.
Make sure you speak with your primary care provider to answer any questions you have about the COVID-19 vaccine before you receive it.
For any additional questions about the vaccine at this time, the State COVID-19 Call Center can be reached by calling 1-866-779-6121 or emailing COVID-19@flhealth.gov and is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week or visit floridahealthcovid19.gov.
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