Vaccine available to Jacksonville residents 65+ starting Monday; Appointments open on Wednesday

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JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Appointments for Jacksonville residents aged 65 and older and any health professional who has not yet received the COVID-19 vaccine can receive their first dose of the vaccine starting Monday, according to the Florida Department of Health in Duval County.

Residents of Duval County who meet any of the criteria to receive a vaccine can make an appointment starting Wednesday at 8 a.m. Appointments can be made between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm on any weekday except New Years Eve and Day. Call 904-253-1140 for an appointment, but remember that there can be long waiting times.

RELATED: COVID-19 Vaccine in Northeast Florida: What We Know by County

The vaccines will be given at the Prime Osborn Convention Center. They are free and require a second dose for it to be as effective as possible.

Before making an appointment, you should know that:

  • Individuals must live in Duval County.
  • Proof of residency is required at the appointment (driver’s license, JEA invoice, or some other form of identification showing home address).
  • There are no toilets available during the appointment.

Jacksonville firefighters, who started receiving the vaccine last Thursday, will help deliver the shots. Walk-ins are not allowed.

COVID-19 health department incident commander and registered nurse Tawanda Washington said getting people over 65 vaccinated quickly is a priority.

“We want to start vaccinating as soon as possible so we can see some of our people over 65 who live in the community get vaccinated before the New Year, even if they aren’t in long-term care facilities,” Washington said.

Washington said her team is working with local hospitals to provide the photos to medical providers not affiliated with hospitals. This also applies to locally run doctor’s offices and pharmacies.

Washington said the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office staff, private ambulance staff, and inmates would be high on the list. She said the Duval County Jail has a large population in a small area, so it’s important to get vaccinated there.

Rein Vandervelde, a home care physiotherapist, said the arrival of the vaccine is a moment he has been waiting for.

“We are even dealing with COVID patients who are not sick enough to go to hospital, but who stay at home and quarantine themselves,” said Vandervelde.

Vandervelde cares for many patients in their homes, including Dana Parker, 65, who has been diagnosed with complex regional pain syndrome.

“I would feel much better if I had (the) vaccine,” said Parker. ‘I’m not afraid of it. I’m more afraid without it. “

RELATED: Clay County begins to arrange vaccinations | St. Johns County will announce a plan soon

Some who work in private health care, like Jacque Dennie, desperately want the vaccine and feel like they’ve fallen through the cracks.

“I really tried my best to get answers for my nurses,” says Dennie of Fletcher’s Home Care. ‘They don’t work in the hospital. They don’t work in the nursing homes. And yet they care for more than medically complex children in our environment and would also like the vaccine. “

Some seniors in Central Florida began receiving vaccines on Tuesday. Seminole County became the first in the state when it began firing shots near the food court at the Oviedo Mall on Tuesday afternoon.

Seminole County Chairman Lee Constantine said. “It is a very exciting day for all of us, and above all, and hopefully for our residents. It’s also a great day for the state of Florida, because from now on we’re going to save lives one shot at a time. “

First-line workers at local hospitals began receiving their photos at UF Health Jacksonville for the first time two weeks ago, followed by other medical centers. CVS and Walgreen’s are currently working with the state to vaccinate staff and residents of long-term care facilities.

News4Jax is working to learn more about vaccine appointments, availability and locations in Jacksonville and adjacent counties. We have details on locations and times and how to register when they become available.

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