Press Release 2/1/2021 

Press Release 2/1/2021

The Florida Department of Health in Okeechobee County will be offering Moderna COVID-19 Vaccines at 8:30am on THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2021 at the OKEECHOBEE AGRI-CIVIC CENTER (4601 Fl Hwy 710 East) for eligible recipients according to state guidelines (over 65 years old or direct health care workers) until all vaccines are distributed. Our number one goal in Florida is to stop the spread of COVID-19 which is a global pandemic. We are using every resource available to us to get the vaccine out as soon as we receive it according to the directives of Governor Ron DeSantis.

• Governor Ron DeSantis’ Executive Order 20-315 outlines that providers can only administer the COVID-19 vaccine to the following groups;
• Long-term care facility residents and staff.
• Persons 65 years of age and older.
• Health care personnel with direct patient contact.
• Persons deemed to be extremely vulnerable to COVID-19 by hospital providers.

 NO APPOINTMENTS WILL BE NEEDED.  500 doses of Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine have been provided to Okeechobee County for this distribution on a first come first served basis. Proof of age and residency is required.

State Surgeon General Scott Rivkees issued a Public Health Advisory on January 21 prioritizing vaccines for residents of the State of Florida or individuals in Florida for the purpose of providing health care services involving direct contact with patients. To prove residency an adult resident must provide a copy of his or her valid Florida driver license or a copy of a valid Florida identification card.
Seasonal residents may provide a copy of two of the following to show proof of residential address:

1. A deed, mortgage, monthly mortgage statement, mortgage payment booklet or residential rental or lease agreement.
2. One proof of residential address from the season resident’s parent, step-parent or legal guardian or other person with whom the seasonal resident resides and a statement from the person with whom the seasonal resident resides stating that the seasonal resident does reside with him or her.
3. A utility hookup or work order dated within 60 days before registration.
4. A utility bill, not more than 2 months old.
5. Mail from a financial institution, including checking, savings, or investment account statements, not more than 2 months old.
6. Mail from a federal, state, county, or municipal government agency, not more than 2 months old.

Seasonal resident means any person who temporarily resides in this state for a period of at least 31 consecutive days in each calendar year, maintains a temporary residence in this state, returns to the state or jurisdiction of his or her residence at least one time during each calendar year, and is registered to vote or pays income tax in another state or jurisdiction.

The Department of Health asks anyone planning to arrive for vaccinations to have consent forms printed and completed before coming to the Agri-Civic Center. CONSENT FORMS can be found at online at https://okeechobee.floridahealth.gov/ or at the Okeechobee Public Library.

This distribution is for first dose vaccinations only. Anyone needing a second dose of Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, will be receiving a call from the Florida Department of Health in Okeechobee County to schedule an appointment for their second dose, if they received their first dose from the Florida Department of Health in Okeechobee County.

Any questions regarding proof of Florida residency should be directed to Florida’s COVID-19 Call Center available 24/7 at +1 (866) 779-6121 or email COVID-19@flhealth.gov.

Amy Cormier

Health Educator Consultant

Public Information Officer

PMQI Champion

Florida Department of Health in Okeechobee County

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1728 NW 9th Avenue

Okeechobee, FL  34972-4340

Phone: (863) 462-5865

Fax:     (863) 462-5780

Website for Florida Department of Health’s response to Coronavirus – including helpful guidance and contact information:

https://www.floridahealth.gov/diseases-and-conditions/COVID-19/chd/index.html

Florida Department of Health’s 24-hour COVID-19 hotline  1 (866) 779-6121

Mission:  To protect, promote & improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county & community efforts.

Vision:  To be the Healthiest State in the Nation

Innovation/ Collaboration/ Accountability/ Responsiveness/ Excellence

Public Health is Everyone’s Responsibility

For more information about our programs and services go to https://okeechobee.floridahealth.gov/

Need Data?  Check out... www.flhealthcharts.gov

Note: Florida has a very broad public records law.  Most written communications to or from state officials regarding state business are public records available to the public and media upon request.  Your email communication may therefore be subject to public disclosure.