THE SUMTER COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES UPDATE ON VACCINE AVAILABILITY 

Media Contact:
Megan McCarthy
Megan.McCarthy@FLHealth.gov
352-569-3134

Bushnell, FLA - The purpose of this memo is to further clarify the current situation concerning the rollout of COVID-19 vaccine within Sumter County. 

In my press release of December 30^th, I indicated that The Villages Health could vaccinate its most vulnerable patients now.   That vaccine transfer did not occur.   The reason for this change was my receipt of subsequent guidance that our local servicing hospital at The University of Florida should receive those doses, vaccinate their patient-exposed staff and develop a plan for vaccinating the broader public as more vaccines and become available.  That vaccine transfer of 1,800 doses to the University of Florida is occurring now.  

On a positive note, despite the various logistical challenges we are facing, we successfully vaccinated our first 280 enrollees today.  Additionally, a similar vaccination event is planned for this Thursday and will be utilizing Eventbrite for registration. This will made available tomorrow, January 6^th, at 8:00 AM for sign-up at the web address https://sumtercovidvax.eventbrite.com. Please also know our vaccine events are free of charge, Eventbrite nor the Sumter County Health Department will charge you for this.  Please follow our website at https://Sumter.floridahealth.gov for future vaccination opportunities and registration information. 

The protective actions I stressed in my press release of December 30^th are the measures that are most protective in the short term.   Particularly if you are medical vulnerable, please limit unnecessary in-door gatherings with neighbors or others, wear a mask if you have public activities you need to accomplish such as grocery shopping and wash your hands frequently.   Limit unnecessary travel otherwise. 

Thank you for patience during this challenging period. 

Respectfully, 

Sanford Zelnick D.O. M.S.
Director
Sumter County Health Department

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