Mayor Demings, Dr. Pino Unveil COVID-19 Vaccination Action Plan for Orange County

ORLANDO, Fla (FNN) – The nation’s first FDA-approved COVID-19 vaccine has arrived in the state of Florida. Governor Ron DeSantis announced last week that 179,400 doses of the Pfizer vaccine would be distributed throughout the state. The initial phase is to protect the most vulnerable as well as those on the front lines of the pandemic.

Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings held a press conference Monday discussing the plan of action locally regarding vaccinations. AdventHealth will receive the first shipment of 20,000 vaccines on Tuesday, December 15. The vaccines will be administered to tri-county healthcare workers in Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties, with front line workers categorized as “phase one” healthcare employees. Dr. Pino is working hand in hand with Mayor Demings on a secondary distribution of vaccines for those in assisted living facilities.

Mayor Budder Dyer reiterated the importance of continuing to wear masks, being diligent about social distancing, and the importance of keeping our community safe.

Public Safety Director Danny Banks pointed out last week that although the vaccine has arrived in Florida, there isn’t enough to do mass vaccinations and it will be a long process.

Mayor Demings promises to continue to provide transparent updates educating everyone about the vaccination distribution timeline, continued COVID testing free through Orange County Health Services at Barnett Park through the end of the year, and one final chance for financial assistance for individuals and families through the current CARES Act funding.

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Kathleen Michelle is a contributing writer for Florida National News. | info@floridanationalnews.com