AdventHealth to launch community COVID-19 vaccine program in multiple phases

January 12, 2021 — AdventHealth West Florida Division is pleased to announce the launch of its community COVID-19 vaccine program. Distribution begins this week in a phased approached. The first phase will include patients who have a primary care physician with AdventHealth Medical Group and are 65 or older, and eligible health care workers in our clinically integrated network.

Each of the eligible providers and patients in this group will receive an email from AdventHealth with information on how to register. Vaccines will be administered at three locations in Carrollwood, Clearwater and Zephyrhills, until supply runs out. The vaccine is not currently available to the public at any AdventHealth hospitals, AdventHealth Centra Care, AdventHealth Express Care at Walgreens, or AdventHealth Medical Group offices.

Appointments are required and walk-ins will not be accepted nor accommodated.

“We know the community has been eager to gain access to the vaccine and we are excited to expand our services to our AdventHealth Medical Group patients 65 and older,” said Dr. Robin McGuinness, Senior Executive Officer, Patient Outcomes, AdventHealth West Florida Division. “We will be administering the vaccine as quickly and efficiently as possible, according to state and federal guidelines. It is a monumental opportunity for us to provide hope for our community and it will be a process, so we ask for the community’s continued patience as we provide vaccines based on supply.”

To date, the AdventHealth nationwide system has facilitated the vaccination of more than 25,500 people, including team members and physicians, community health care providers and first-responders. The vaccine is not currently available to the public at any AdventHealth hospitals, AdventHealth Centra Care, AdventHealth Express Care at Walgreens, or AdventHealth Medical Group offices.

Other important items to note:

• 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 their designated site will be asked to schedule their second vaccine appointment at that time.
• Proof of age (for those 65 or older) 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 concerns.

Community members and the general public who wish to be notified when they might be eligible to receive the vaccine can register for alerts at www.CoronavirusVaccineAlerts.com.

Other frequently asked questions:

Q: Who can sign up to receive the vaccine?

A: During this initial phase, the vaccine will only be available to eligible clinically integrated network providers, their staff and established AdventHealth Medical Group patients who are 65 years and older who receive an email invitation.

Q: Why are we starting with AdventHealth Medical Group patients?

A: We are following state guidelines and providing vaccines to those who are 65 years and older. It’s our goal to launch a robust community vaccine program, and because of the limited supply, we are providing the vaccine in phases to specific groups.

Q: How will the vaccination process work?

A: Upon arriving at the site, those with an appointment will park their car and walk to the check-in area where their appointment will be verified. Once verified, they will be directed to a vaccination station. After receiving the vaccination, they will be directed to the observation area where chairs will be provided, and those vaccinated will be asked to wait 15 minutes before leaving the site. There will be an opportunity during this waiting period to make an appointment for the second vaccination. After this waiting period is over, patients can return to their cars.

Q: Which vaccine are you providing at this site?

A: Moderna.

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

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

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

A: We continue to vaccinate Tier 1 team members under state and federal guidelines for the both first and second dose of 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.