The Florida Department of Health-Osceola temporarily closes COVID-19 vaccine registration

The Florida Department of Health-Osceola temporarily closed registration for the COVID-19 vaccination on Wednesday and will resume the process when it receives more vaccine from the state of Florida.

Residents can monitor http://osceola.floridahealth.gov/ for updates on COVID-19 vaccine availability.

Those already registered are being scheduled for shots or have already received vaccinations. The health department said 170 people were vaccinated on Tuesday and 366 are scheduled for today (Wednesday).

 It is vital for the public to realize that the quantity of vaccine released from the state to Osceola and other counties is far short of the amount needed for those eligible to receive it, a county press release stated. As more vaccine is received in coming weeks and months, more people will be able to receive shots.

In the meantime, it is important to remember to continue COVID-19 protocols, such as wearing a face covering, practicing good personal hygiene (including frequent hand-washing), social distancing and limiting the size of group gatherings.

Jared Moskowitz, the state’s emergency management director, has clarified that counties can’t limit appointments to residents, meaning that Osceola residents are free to try to register for the vaccine in other places.

 Residents are also urged to moderate New Year’s Eve celebrations to prevent an increase in the spread of the disease throughout the community.

 According to the CDC, “The safest way to celebrate the new year is to celebrate at home with the people who live with you or virtually with friends and family. Staying home is the best way to protect yourself and others. Travel and gatherings with family and friends who do not live with you can increase your chances of getting and spreading COVID-19 or the flu.”