More than 28,000 Volusia County residents receive COVID-19 vaccine; new vaccination events set for next week in DeLand

Posted On: January 23, 2021

Distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine continued this week, with more than 28,000 Volusia County residents receiving either their first or second inoculation since the rollout began. That includes another 2,800 doses that were administered at the Volusia County Fairgrounds clinic in DeLand between Thursday and Friday, with the remaining allocation from this week to be administered on Monday.

Officials are gearing up for three more days of vaccinations next week at the Fairgrounds site in DeLand. Reservations for Monday are already booked, but new registrations will open up at 9 a.m. on Wednesday for vaccination appointments for next Thursday and Friday, Jan. 28 and Jan. 29. Volusia County officials are hopeful that future allocations will come in larger quantities so that the vaccine becomes available more quickly, and to more people and at more locations.

Volusia County government continues to manage the Fairgrounds site in conjunction with the Florida Department of Health in Volusia County and has plans in place for more widespread distribution once the vaccination supply increases.

“We’re still not receiving the vaccine as much and as quickly as we would like,” said Volusia County Public Protection Director Joe Pozzo. “The demand is far greater than the supplies we’re being provided right now. We’ve been assured that in time, that will change. But for now, we’re continuing to deploy the vaccine into the community just as soon as it gets here.”

County officials have been notified that 2,300 doses will be sent to Volusia County next week for distribution at the fairgrounds – 2,000 less than last week. However, additional doses instead will be sent to the Publix locations that also are offering the vaccine in Volusia County. The Publix stores also are expected to receive an additional allotment.

“We understand the frustration of residents who haven’t been able to secure a reservation yet,” added Pozzo. “We’re frustrated too. The demand for the vaccine still far exceeds the supply, which is being controlled by the state and federal government. The good news is that with each local vaccination event, that’s more people getting their shots and fewer people seeking a reservation the next time around.”

While briefing the County Council earlier this week about the progress of the vaccine rollout, Pozzo mentioned that depending on the supply, plans are in the works to eventually increase the number of vaccination events to four per-week. He also said Volusia County officials are working with the state on a faith-based vaccine deployment where local houses of worship will assist with getting the vaccine to people age 65 and above in minority groups.

Based on the most recent information available from the Florida Department of Health, a total of 28,418 Volusia County residents have either received their first or second dose. That includes vaccinations at the state-supported Fairgrounds site as well as shots being administered at Publix stores, local hospitals and at nursing homes and assisted living facilities.

“When we see an opportunity to increase our vaccinations in the county, we’re going to do that,” Pozzo told the County Council.

County of Volusia/Department of Health-Volusia County COVID-19 event fact sheet

Who: County of Volusia/Department of Health-Volusia County

What: COVID-19 vaccine event

Where: Volusia County Fairgrounds, 3150 E. New York Ave., DeLand (entrance off Prevatt Avenue)

When: Thursday and Friday, Jan. 28 and 29

Who qualifies: Individuals 65 years and older and are Florida residents, as set forth in Florida Statute 381.986(5)(b).

Important Details:

• Only the Moderna vaccine will be offered.
• 1,150 registrations available each day, and appointments are required.
• Registration opens 9 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 27; register at countyofvolusia.eventbrite.com or call 866-345-0345.
• Registrants are required to complete a screening and consent form prior to receiving a vaccination; visit volusiahealth.com/shots to review and print forms.
• DOH-Volusia will return to this location in 28 days to offer the second dose to those who are due. Those who receive a vaccination should return to the site during the same appointment timeframe as their first appointment
• in 28 days for their second dose. When returning to the site, DOH-Volusia will only offer the second dose of the vaccine.
• For questions specific to the Fairgrounds vaccination event, including information on upcoming appointments, call 866-345-0345 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
• For general clinical questions (not for vaccination appointments), call the Florida Department of Health at 386-274-0500 and press # for coronavirus information.
• For information on specific medical conditions that may affect an individual’s ability to get this vaccine, visit modernatx.com/covid19vaccine-eua/recipients.