Gallup poll: Many adults feel “somewhat normal” again
At the state level, daily coronavirus reports are being replaced by weekly summaries, which are used by health experts and the media to track COVID-19 infections, hospitalizations and fatalities.
Locally, the Florida Department of Health-Osceola is moving its vaccination operation from the Kissimmee Civic Center to its administrative headquarters 1875 Fortune Road, starting Monday, June 21 on an appointment-only basis.
"As more individuals in Osceola County have received their vaccine, the demand for vaccinations has declined,” said health department spokesman Jeremy Lanier.
“Our health department will continue to provide COVID-19 vaccinations to our community at our health department. In addition, our team will be coordinating with community partners to provide vaccinations to underserved portions of our community," he said.
Vaccination appointments will no longer be offered through the myvaccine.fl.gov website after June 17. After that, people who want to schedule a first or second dose vaccination appointment must call FDOH-Osceola’s call center at 407-552-0120.
But while Florida is slowing its response as more of the population becomes inoculated, the director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Friday expressed concern about a new report showing a rise in the number of adolescents who have been hospitalized because of COVID-19.
“Much of this suffering can be prevented,” said Dr. Rochelle Walensky.
About 85% of Florida’s seniors have been vaccinated, but the shots are still not available for children under 12, and vaccination rates among younger teens 12 to 16 are low, according to state figures.
Adolescent hospitalizations have declined overall since peaking in January but began climbing back up in late March and April, the new report stated.
“Until they are fully vaccinated, adolescents should continue to wear masks and take precautions when around others who are not vaccinated to protect themselves, and their family, friends and community. Vaccination is our way out of this pandemic,” Walensky said.
Nearly 64% of U.S. adults have received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine, and nearly 53% are fully vaccinated, according to the CDC.
And, in a recent Gallup survey, 66% of U.S. adults said their lives are at least somewhat back to normal.
For more local information regarding COVID-19 vaccinations and testing, go to www.osceola.org/covid19vaccinations
