Daytona Beach, FL - The Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine is being distributed through AdventHealth Daytona Beach beginning today (December21).
“This is a major turning point in the fight against this pandemic,” said Dr. Dilip Arcot, an intensivist at AdventHealth Daytona Beach and one of the first to receive the vaccine at the facility. “The fight against COVID-19 has been long and hard, but if everyone gets a vaccine when they are able, we will begin to see the light at the end of the tunnel.”
AdventHealth team members at the distribution site are the first to be vaccinated. When the first shipment of the Moderna vaccine expected soon, there could be additional distribution sites.
“We’re thrilled to be able to add this additional layer of protection to our frontline team members who have been working tirelessly to help keep this community safe,” said Dr. Joe Smith, chief medical officer of AdventHealth Daytona Beach. “It’s really a shot in the arm for our health care workers who have worked so long, and so hard to battle this virus throughout the year.”
Because of the limited supply, the vaccines are not available to the general public at this time. Last week, Governor Ron DeSantis said Florida will receive 367,000 doses of the Moderna vaccine sometime this week. Hospital staffs will be vaccinated first. Patients and staff at long-term care facilities will receive the COVID-19 vaccination next, through places like Walgreen's and CVS. Next in-line would be those considered essential workers with some estimates predicting that it will be more available in the spring for the general public.
“This vaccine is safe and it offers hope, but it’s not time to let our guard down. We really encourage everyone continue the good habits of wearing masks, socially distancing and frequent hand washing – especially during the holidays,” Smith said.
