TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) — More COVID-19 vaccines are rolling into Florida. The Sunshine State is expecting 120,000 vaccines from Pfizer and another 360,000 from Moderna this week.
Leon County is expected to get 10,000 of those Moderna vaccines.
Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare anticipates 5,600.
Capital Regional Medical Center expects 2,400.
Leon County Department of Health is planning to receive 2,500.
Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare plans to get the shipment Wednesday, Dec. 23.
“On behalf of Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare, we are thrilled to receive our first shipment of the COVID-19 vaccines,” said Mark O’Bryant, President & CEO of Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare. “Getting vaccinated, wearing a mask, social distancing and frequent hand washing will collectively help us get our families and communities back to normal.”
TMH is one of five hospitals in the Big Bend to get the first wave of Moderna vaccines. The other hospitals are in Jackson, Madison, and Taylor counties.
As the COVID-19 infection rate rises again, doctors like FSU Primary Health Dr. Daniel Van Durme say getting a vaccine is essential.
"You'll hear terms tossed around like herd immunity. That means if we can get the majority of the population vaccinated, then the likelihood you're going to get exposed to someone else is very low," said Dr. Van Durme.
Outside of its staff, TMH plans to give vaccines to other frontline workers at places like Bond Community Health, Neighborhood Medical Clinic and Tallahassee Primary Care Associates.
"How many people who get vaccinated is going to be absolutely critical," said Dr. Van Durme.
Right now there is also a push to get people to trust and get the vaccine when it becomes available to everyone.
"We understand our community may have questions about the vaccine and its safety. After closely reviewing the research and current recommendations of experts in this field, we are confident this vaccine is safe and effective," TMH Vice President Andrea Friall said in a statement to ABC 27.
To help ease concerns about vaccines TMH will team up with the Village Square in January to host a conversation about vaccines.
So far the department of health reports that nearly 50,000 doses have been administered so far.
The first in line are healthcare workers and the elderly. Due to limited supply and high demand, it'll likely take months before the general public can be vaccinated.
Through the most recent COVID relief package passed by Congress, Leon County will be able to work closely with the state to support efficient vaccinations for the entire county.
