health COVID-19 Vaccines: What We Know Now by: By Heather Kretzer, Public Information Officer for the Florida Department of Health in Bay County
T
he Florida Department of Health in Bay County, and other county health departments across the State, are in the planning stages for Mass Vaccination for
COVID-19. DOH-Bay is experienced in Mass Vaccination Planning and Mass Vaccination following most recently Hurricane Michael with TDAP and Hep A vaccine points of distribution, and before that, H1N1 or Swine Flu. DOH-Bay’s Incident Command Team completes training exercises for points of distribution regularly. “We believe our extensive planning, previous vaccine experience and points of distribution training will help DOH-Bay and our
some might be ready before others. At first, COVID-19 vaccines might be used under an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). We also know that there may be a limited supply of COVID-19 vaccines through the end of 2020, but supply will continually increase. Since supplies may be limited to start, some groups may be recommended to get a COVID-19 vaccine first. Vaccine doses will be given at no cost; however, providers may charge an administration fee.
partners to be able to meet the COVID-19 vaccine needs of our
Benefits of Getting a COVID-19 Vaccine
community,” said Sandon S. Speedling, MHS, CPM, CPH, Adminis-
Some people may be concerned about getting a COVID-19 vaccine
trator and Health Officer, DOH-Bay. The Florida Department of Health is working closely with Health and Human Services (HHS) to distribute vaccines when they become available. The statewide plan was submitted to HHS and is posted online for the public to view at FloridaHealthCOVID19. gov. This plan will include a tabletop exercise for all counties. In Bay County, DOH-Bay will invite our Emergency Support Func-
12
Many vaccines for COVID-19 are being developed and tested, but
once they become available. While these vaccines are being developed as quickly as possible, the CDC and FDA are working to ensure the safety of the vaccine. There are many reasons to get vaccinated. First, COVID-19 vaccination will make it substantially less likely that you’ll get COVID-19. Based on what we know about vaccines
tion (ESF)-8 Health and Medical partners including Bay County
for other diseases, experts believe the vaccine will help keep you
Emergency Operations, Ascension Sacred Heart Bay, Gulf Coast
from getting seriously ill if you do get COVID-19. Vaccine trials are
Regional Medical Center, EMS and first responders to participate.
reporting high rates of effectiveness.
BAY B I Z / FA L L 2020
