This press release is published at the request of the Florida Department of Health in Alachua County.
COVID-19 vaccination eligibility in Alachua County has expanded to now include Alachua County residents who are age 50 or older.
Opportunities to be vaccinated at area vaccine clinics this week in collaboration with the UF Health Screen, Test & Protect initiative will open by appointment only.
In addition, state guidelines indicate that people ages 18 and up who have underlying medical conditions and whose medical provider has confirmed they have a condition that places them at increased risk for a severe case of COVID-19 remain eligible for vaccination. Pursuant to Executive Order 20-315, providers may continue to vaccinate persons they deem to be
extremely vulnerable to COVID-19.
“Area residents who opt to be vaccinated are taking an important step in protecting their own health and the health of others,” said Paul Myers, administrator of the Alachua County Health Department. “Eligible Florida residents are encouraged to make an appointment by registering at
Alachua.FloridaHealth.gov, or by calling 352-334-8810.”
On Wednesday, appointments will be available at the UF Cultural Center Parking Garage (Garage 11), off Hull Road across the street from the Southwest Recreation Center. On Friday, appointments will be available at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium Champion’s Club, across the street from the O’Connell Center’s Gate 1 off Gale Lemerand Drive.
“This is a great start toward meeting the increasing demand for the vaccine,” said Dr. Mike Lauzardo, deputy director of the Emerging Pathogens Institute at the University of Florida and director of UF Health Screen, Test & Protect. “We’re excited to have the ability to support the community in this way and help state health officials in Alachua County expand access to even more people. Vaccination is an important step toward ending this pandemic."
Those who have registered at
Alachua.FloridaHealth.gov also are encouraged to update their information or opt-out of their registration if they have already been vaccinated or no longer desire to be vaccinated. Updating information will not result in an appointment delay but rather assist the health department in expediting appointments and reducing the number of unnecessary texts/emails and calls for those no longer interested in being vaccinated through this system.
