After a rocky start, St. Johns County offers to assist the health department with vaccine distribution

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. – The race to get a COVID-19 vaccine is causing a stir in St. Johns County.

On Thursday, a long line of cars lined up near the St. Johns County Health Department, as many waited hours to receive the vaccine.

Following the issues, the St. Johns County Board of Directors sent a letter to Department Director Dr. Dawn Allicock after several meetings.

“Since the Department of Health began their vaccination program earlier this week, the Board of County Commissioners has been inundated with questions, concerns and complaints about a lack of public information and program management,” the letter, obtained by News4Jax, reads in part. “As such, St. Johns County is again asking that the Department of Health in St. Johns County strongly reconsider and accept our offer of partnership.”

Jeremiah Blocker, chairman of the board, wrote that the commissioners wanted to speed up the distribution of vaccines in the community and “it has become clear to St. Johns County and the public at large that the Department of Health in St. Johns County needs additional assistance to complete this critical mass vaccination mission. “

The Florida Department of Health in St. Johns County vaccinated people 65 and older against COVID-19 on Thursday and the department is administering vaccines again from 9 a.m.

Another crowd of people was in downtown St. Augustine on New Year’s Eve.

We just love it, it’s so beautiful every year, ”said Shelby Hancock.

There were many people going in and out of restaurants and bars on a Thursday night and looking at the beautiful lights, ready to ring in the new year.

New Years Eve 2020 in St. Augustine this year was a bit different with social detachment and no fireworks.

“It’s absolutely different with everyone who has to wear masks and things, but you just have to live and be safe and all,” said Hancock.

Sinclair Cerber and his family traveled from Miami.

“We’ve seen a lot of people here without their masks and we just keep it moving,” said Cerber. “Stay outside so we can do our best to stay safe and after this we go back to the hotel and spend a quiet night at the hotel and stay safe with family.”

Earlier in the day, a large crowd of people hoped to start the new year with the COVID-19 vaccine.

‘It has tested my patience. That’s for sure. Two and a half hours in the car plus, ”said resident Michael Gurski.

To schedule an appointment for a COVID-19 vaccination in St. Johns County, visit stjohns.floridahealth.gov. For more information on local vaccination surgery, contact the Florida Department of Health in St. Johns County at 904-506-6081 or [email protected]. For more information on the state’s vaccination plan, contact the Florida Department of Health at 866-779-6121 or [email protected].

Currently, the Florida Department of Health in St. Johns County is still in the early stages of the distribution of vaccines to the public, including:

• Healthcare personnel with direct patient contact
• Residents and staff of long-term care facilities
• Persons aged 65 and over

The county received 3,000 doses of the vaccine and began giving injections to St. Johns County Fire Rescue personnel on Wednesday.

The province said it will actively provide additional information as more vaccines become available and the State Department of Health’s vaccination plan progresses. Visit the St. Johns County COVID-19 Vaccination Web page at www.sjcfl.us/coronavirusvaccinations or text SJCVACCINE to 888777 to receive updates.