The Florida Department of Health in Walton County (DOH-Walton) will approach COVID-19 vaccination efforts similarly to the planning structure of previous vaccination programs. DOH-Walton received their initial doses of COVID-19 vaccines on December 31, and are allocated for first responders and seniors 65 years of age and older by appointment only. The vaccines are from Moderna and were given Emergency Use Authorization by the FDA. According to data released by the Food and Drug Administration, the vaccine made by Moderna is highly protective for adults and prevents severe cases of COVID-19.

The coronavirus immunizations for individuals ages 65 years and older will be provided at the Coastal Branch clinic at 361 Greenway Trail, Santa Rosa Beach by appointment only. To schedule an appointment, call the Walton County Covid Line at (850) 401-6453 beginning January 4th, 2021.

Vaccination times:

8 AM – 5 PM Wednesday, January 6

8 AM – 5 PM Friday, January 8

8 AM – 5 PM Wednesday, January 13

8 AM – 5 PM Friday, January 15

Further immunizations will be scheduled after these initial dates as vaccine supply allows. Persons who have had a severe allergic reaction to any component of the vaccine or to an injectable therapeutic may not receive the vaccine. There is no charge for vaccine administration.

Hospitals received their vaccines recently and continue to vaccinate their front-line staff. Longterm care staff and residents are receiving vaccines through Operation Warp Speed from Walgreens and CVS. As additional vaccine supplies become available and the State provides priority groups for vaccinating, DOH-Walton will follow and share those plans. For the most up to date information on COVID-19 vaccination plans in Florida, please visit www.floridahealthcovid19.gov/covid-19-vaccines-in-florida/. For a report of Walton County residents vaccinated against COVID-19 go to FloridaHealthCOVID19.gov.

“The COVID-19 vaccine is a monumental step toward getting this disease under control in Florida, but the department is still encouraging residents and visitors to take common sense precautions to protect themselves and others from the spread of the virus” said Holly Holt, Walton County Health Officer and Administrator. “These include frequent hand washing, wearing face masks, maintaining six feet of social distancing, and staying home if you are feeling sick.”

COVID-19 vaccination will make it substantially less likely that you’ll get COVID-19. Based on what we know about vaccines for other diseases, experts believe the vaccine will help keep you from getting seriously ill if you do get COVID-19. Vaccine trials are reporting high rates of effectiveness. The COVID-19 vaccination will be a safer way to help build protection. There is no way to know how COVID-19 will affect you and it can have serious, life-threatening complications. COVID-19 vaccines will not give you COVID-19. None of the COVID-19 vaccines use the live virus that causes COVID-19. The goal of each vaccine is to teach our immune system how to recognize and fight the virus that causes COVID-19. Sometimes this process can cause symptoms, such as fever. Immunity typically takes a few weeks to build. For more information on the COVID-19 vaccines visit www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019- ncov/vaccines.

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