AdventHealth COVID-19 vaccine distribution update

February 03, 2021 — Vaccines for persons deemed to be extremely vulnerable to COVID-19:

AdventHealth yesterday vaccinated about 500 patients deemed to be extremely vulnerable to COVID-19 after receiving a limited vaccine supply from the state earmarked for that purpose. Many of those vaccinated were organ transplant patients. The AdventHealth Transplant Institute is the only adult transplant center in Central Florida.

AdventHealth is following national and international guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and the U.K. National Health Service to determine which patients are extremely vulnerable. AdventHealth’s clinical leadership team, including those from the transplant and cancer institutes, determined the priority of those most in need of vaccination, based on condition and treatment. Those include:

• Solid organ transplant and bone marrow transplant patients
• Cancer patients undergoing active treatment
• Cystic fibrosis patients
• Those with Sickle Cell Disease
• Adults with Down Syndrome

AdventHealth received 500 vaccines from the state and administered the entire supply yesterday. AdventHealth does not have any vaccines for the public at this time. As additional vaccine supply becomes available, those eligible per federal criteria will be contacted by AdventHealth with instructions on how to receive their vaccine.

“People facing critical health issues, such as those waiting for or having just received an organ transplant, could quickly face an even more life-threatening situation should they contract COVID-19,” said Dr. Neil Finkler, chief medical officer at AdventHealth’s Central Florida Division. “We are thankful to have been allocated the vaccine supply from the state for this purpose and look forward to a time when there is sufficient supply to vaccinate everyone in our community.”

Orange County partnership to provide vaccines for community health care workers:

Appointments for community health care workers at AdventHealth’s community vaccination site near Orlando International Airport are now full. The vaccines will be distributed on Saturday, Feb. 6.

More than 3,000 doses were supplied by the Florida Department of Health in Orange County and are specifically earmarked for those health care workers who have been unable to take advantage of other vaccination opportunities. AdventHealth is prepared to extend the operation should more supply become available.

Important items to note for those with appointments:

• Appointments are required and walk-ups will not be accommodated.
• There is no out-of-pocket cost for receiving the vaccine.
• The COVID vaccine requires two doses, and those who receive their first vaccine at the airport site will be asked to schedule their second vaccine appointment.
• Proof of health care employment is required upon registration.
• As part of the vaccine process, those receiving the vaccine will be required to stay on-site for at least 15 minutes to ensure there are no adverse reactions. Most reported side effects are mild and include arm soreness, fatigue and headache. AdventHealth will have medical professionals on hand to assist with any reactions.

COVID-19 vaccine Frequently Asked Questions (Updated Feb. 3, 2021)

AdventHealth has launched a COVID-19 vaccine resource website, www.CoronavirusVaccineFacts.com to help consumers learn more about the vaccine.

For other frequently asked questions:

Q: Can I get a vaccine at an AdventHealth hospital, AdventHealth Centra Care or AdventHealth Medical Group practice?

A: No. We are not offering COVID-19 vaccines to the public at any of our hospitals, freestanding emergency departments, AdventHealth Centra Care or AdventHealth Medical Group practices at this time.

Q. Can I sign up to be considered “extremely vulnerable?”

A: No. Determinations are made AdventHealth’s clinical leadership team, based on CDC guidelines and patients are identified through their medical records. As AdventHealth receives additional vaccines from the state for this purpose, we will notify patients who qualify. Other hospitals in the state are also receiving vaccine supplies for this purpose. Those who are not being treated at AdventHealth should check with their physician and hospital of care.

Q: Will AdventHealth reopen the vaccination site to the community?

A: Those with appointments for their second dose will receive it at the community vaccination site near Orlando International Airport. As more supply becomes available, AdventHealth is prepared to extend the operation.

Q: Are you still offering vaccines for AdventHealth frontline team members at AdventHealth facilities?

A: We are currently providing the second, booster shots to those frontline workers who received the vaccine.

Q: Is the COVID-19 vaccine safe?

A: Extensive clinical trials were conducted with thousands of participants to evaluate the COVID-19 vaccine and generate scientific data and other information for the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to determine its safety and effectiveness. You cannot get COVID-19 from a vaccine.

Q: How does the COVID-19 vaccine work?

A: The vaccine helps you develop antibodies that make you less susceptible to the disease. It does not use the live virus that causes COVID-19.

Q: What should the remaining public do in the meantime?

A: We strongly support community masking initiatives and are aggressively advocating team members and the public wear a mask whenever they are out in the community. Masks help reduce the transmission of any kind of droplets and, along with social distancing and frequent hand washing, are the best things you can do to keep yourself and your loved ones safe.

Q: Where else can I get a COVID-19 vaccine?

A: Many area county health departments are offering vaccines to eligible members of the public. Those who wish to be notified when they might be eligible to receive the vaccine from AdventHealth can register for alerts at www.CoronavirusVaccineAlerts.com.