CENTRAL FLORIDA – As of Monday, Orlando Health is expanding its vaccine distribution program, meaning patients 65 and older in the health care system will be able to make vaccines in Central Florida.
As of Monday, Orlando Health seniors 65 and older can make appointments at six locations in Orange, Lake and Osceola.
- Orlando Health Emergency Room – Lake Mary, 380 Rinehart Rd., Lake Mary, FL, 32746
- Orlando Health Medical Pavilion – Summerport, 5151 Winter Garden Vineland Rd., Windermere, FL, 34787
- Orlando Health – Health Central Park – Winter Garden, 411 N. Dillard St., Winter Garden, FL, 34787
- Orlando Health Medical Pavilion – St. Cloud, 1330 Budinger Ave., St. Cloud, FL, 34769
- Orlando Health Heart & Vascular Institute – Downtown Orlando, 1222 S. Orange Ave., Orlando, FL, 32806
- Orlando Health South Lake Hospital Emergency Room – Blue Cedar, 22316 US Highway 27, Leesburg, FL, 34748
It is part of an extension of the vaccine distribution program. Leaders said due to the limited supply, scheduling information will be transmitted directly to those who are eligible through a randomization process.
Governor Ron DeSantis made the focus of his Bay Conference press conference in Bay County on Sunday morning.
“By putting our seniors first, we are doing the right thing by our parents and grandparents. This is the morally right thing, this is also the medically right thing to do. It’s based on the data, the fact is, this virus is more deadly to the elderly, “said DeSantis.
He spoke at a nursing home in Bay County, explaining why seniors should be prioritized.
“This virus was more deadly to the elderly than to middle-aged people, so it’s the best thing we can do to reduce disease and mortality,” said the focus on people over 65, “DeSantis said.
Statistics from the Florida Department of Health show that more than 235,000 elderly people have already received their first dose. Of these, 133,000 are in the 65-74 age range.
DeSantis said he and other officials hope next week that the state will get another 250,000 vaccines, and are working with hospitals, Publix and other places to have the vaccines administered.
“We know who is doing it well, we know where to place the vaccine,” DeSantis said.
Spectrum News 13 reporter Justin Soto contributed to this story.