AdventHealth COVID-19 vaccine distribution update

January 08, 2021 — Jan. 7, 2021 UPDATE:

Community vaccination event at Orlando International Airport:

• All appointments for COVID-19 vaccines at AdventHealth’s vaccination site at Orlando International Airport are now full through Friday, Jan. 15. No additional appointments are currently available, and no walk-ins are accepted.
• Those who wish to be notified when additional slots may become available can register for alerts at www.CoronavirusVaccineAlerts.com.
• The vaccine is not currently available to the public at any AdventHealth hospitals, AdventHealth Centra Care locations or AdventHealth Medical Group practices.

Important items to note for those with appointments:

• There is no out-of-pocket cost for receiving the vaccine.
• The COVID vaccine requires two doses, and those who receive their first vaccine at the airport site will be asked to schedule their second vaccine appointment.
• Proof of health care employment or age (for those 65 or older) is required upon registration.
• As part of the vaccine process, those receiving the vaccine will be required to stay on-site for at least 15 minutes to ensure there are no adverse reactions. Most reported side effects are mild and include arm soreness, fatigue and headache. AdventHealth will have medical professionals on hand to assist with any reactions.

“We are thankful that so many in our community want to get vaccinated, and we know there are many more who would like to,” said Brian Adams, CEO of AdventHealth’s Polk County market, who is leading the COVID response for the organization’s Central Florida Division. “We’ll be ready to get the vaccine to even more of our neighbors as soon as we have additional supply from the state. We are committed to helping our neighbors heal and preventing the spread of COVID-19.”

COVID-19 vaccine Frequently Asked Questions (Updated Jan. 7, 2021)

AdventHealth has launched a COVID-19 vaccine resource website, www.CoronavirusVaccineFacts.com to help consumers learn more about the vaccine.

For other frequently asked questions:

Q: Who is eligible for the vaccinate at this site?

A: During this initial phase, the vaccine will only be available to community health care personnel with direct patient contact as well as AdventHealth Medical Group patients and AdventHealth caregivers’ relatives eligible under state and federal guidelines, including people 65 years and older.

Q: Why are we starting with AdventHealth Medical Group patients?

A: We are following state guidelines and providing vaccines to those who are 65 years and older. It’s our goal to launch a robust community vaccine program, and because of the limited supply, we are rolling this out in phases.

Q: How will the vaccination process work?

Upon arriving at the site, those with an appointment will park their car and walk to the check-in area where their appointment will be verified. Once verified, they will be directed to a vaccination station. After receiving the vaccination, they will be directed to the observation area where chairs will be provided, and those vaccinated will be asked to wait 15 minutes. There will be an opportunity during the waiting period to make an appointment for the second vaccination. After the waiting period is over, patients can return to their cars.

Q: Which vaccine are you providing at this site?

A: Pfizer or Moderna, depending on supply.

Q: Can I get a vaccine at an AdventHealth hospital, AdventHealth Centra Care or AdventHealth Medical Group practice?

A: No. We are not offering COVID-19 vaccines to the public at any of our hospitals, freestanding emergency departments, AdventHealth Centra Care or AdventHealth Medical Group practices at this time.

Q: Will you open other community vaccination sites?

A: Because of limited supply, we are focusing our efforts on a centralized location at Orlando International Airport.

Q: Are you still offering vaccines for AdventHealth frontline team members at your facilities?

A: We are currently providing the second, booster shots to those in the first wave of frontline workers to receive the vaccine.

Q: Is the COVID-19 vaccine safe?

A: Extensive clinical trials were conducted with thousands of participants to evaluate the COVID-19 vaccine and generate scientific data and other information for the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to determine its safety and effectiveness. You cannot get COVID-19 from a vaccine.

Q: How does the COVID-19 vaccine work?

A: The vaccine helps you develop antibodies that make you less susceptible to the disease. It does not use the live virus that causes COVID-19.

Q: What should the remaining public do in the meantime?

A: We strongly support community masking initiatives and are aggressively advocating team members and the public wear a mask whenever they are out in the community. Masks help reduce the transmission of any kind of droplets and, along with social distancing and frequent hand washing, are the best things you can do to keep yourself and your loved ones safe.

Q. Where else can I get a COVID-19 vaccine?

Many area county health departments are offering vaccines to eligible members of the public. Those who wish to be notified when they might be eligible to receive the vaccine from AdventHealth can register for alerts at www.CoronavirusVaccineAlerts.com.