THE SUMTER COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES UPDATE ON COVID-19 VACCINE AVAILABILITY 

Media Contact:
Lauren McCurdy
DLCHD60PIO@flhealth.gov
352-569-3102

Bushnell, FLA - The purpose of this release is to provide further update on local COVID-19 vaccination activities.

I am pleased to announce that opportunities for COVID-19 vaccination continues to improve. The Sumter County Health Department received a very short notice opportunity for 3,000 local residents that qualify under the latest State of Florida Executive Order (available at: https://www.flgov.com/wp-content/uploads/orders/2021/EO_21-62.pdf) to receive the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine at Lake-Sumter State College in Sumterville. The State of Florida sign up system was accessed to appoint these 3,000 individuals and those vaccinations are occurring by appointment today through Friday (March 12^th) with the Florida National Guard at Lake-Sumter State College. Individuals can sign up through the State of Florida sign up system online at https://myvaccine.fl.gov/ or by phone at 866-201-7196.

Global Medical Response (GMR) is continuing their vaccination activities at St. Vincent De Paul Catholic Church in The Villages. The Sumter County Health Department is also continuing our mass vaccination efforts at the Wildwood Community Center.

In view of the opportunities for vaccination and decreasing hospital in-patient admissions for COVID-19, you may soon notice a gradual relaxation of some of the precautions regarding various community activities and events. That said, it would be wise to continue to take precautions as this pandemic is not yet over. Specifically, if you are meeting with others whom you know have been completely vaccinated for several weeks (allowing immunity to build up), it would be reasonable to meet in small gatherings unmasked if you choose to do so and are similarly fully vaccinated. However, for indoor situations where the vaccination status of others around you is not known, it is wise to continue to wear a face covering, even if you have been fully vaccinated. In such indoor events, you should continue to socially distance as you are able and wash your hands both before the indoor event takes place and shortly afterward.

In closing, I understand that some of the vaccination opportunities that may be advertised or communicated to you with minimal notice may seem confusing. As vaccine is in good supply, we are trying to offer as many opportunities as possible to protect you as quickly as possible.

My office may be reached at 352-569-3102 if you have specific questions regarding vaccination activities in Sumter County.

Respectfully,

Sanford Zelnick D.O., M.S.

Director

Sumter County Health Department

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About the Florida Department of Health

The department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.