
5 minute read
HEALTH
COVID-19 Vaccines: What We Know Now by: By Heather Kretzer, Public Information Officer for the Florida Department of Health in Bay County
The Florida Department of Health in Bay County, and other county health departments across the State, are in the planning stages for Mass Vaccination for COVID-19. DOH-Bay is experienced in Mass Vaccination Planning and Mass Vaccination following most recently Hurricane Michael with TDAP and Hep A vaccine points of distribution, and before that, H1N1 or Swine Flu. DOH-Bay’s Incident Command Team completes training exercises for points of distribution regularly.
“We believe our extensive planning, previous vaccine experience and points of distribution training will help DOH-Bay and our partners to be able to meet the COVID-19 vaccine needs of our community,” said Sandon S. Speedling, MHS, CPM, CPH, Administrator and Health Officer, DOH-Bay.
The Florida Department of Health is working closely with Health and Human Services (HHS) to distribute vaccines when they become available. The statewide plan was submitted to HHS and is posted online for the public to view at FloridaHealthCOVID19. gov. This plan will include a tabletop exercise for all counties. In Bay County, DOH-Bay will invite our Emergency Support Function (ESF)-8 Health and Medical partners including Bay County Emergency Operations, Ascension Sacred Heart Bay, Gulf Coast Regional Medical Center, EMS and first responders to participate. Many vaccines for COVID-19 are being developed and tested, but some might be ready before others. At first, COVID-19 vaccines might be used under an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). We also know that there may be a limited supply of COVID-19 vaccines through the end of 2020, but supply will continually increase. Since supplies may be limited to start, some groups may be recommended to get a COVID-19 vaccine first. Vaccine doses will be given at no cost; however, providers may charge an administration fee.
Benefits of Getting a COVID-19 Vaccine
Some people may be concerned about getting a COVID-19 vaccine once they become available. While these vaccines are being developed as quickly as possible, the CDC and FDA are working to ensure the safety of the vaccine. There are many reasons to get vaccinated.
First, 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. If you get sick, you could spread it to your friends, family, co-workers and others. Experts do not know yet how long natural immunity from having COVID-19 lasts. Even those who had COVID-19 should be vaccinated.
The COVID-19 vaccination will be an important tool to help stop the pandemic. Wearing masks and social distancing also help reduce your chance of being exposed to the virus and exposing others. You should also continue to practice hand washing, cleaning and disinfecting commonly touched surfaces and stay home when you are sick. The combination of getting vaccinated and following the guidance to prevent COVID-19 will offer the best protection from the virus.
Myths and Misconceptions about COVID-19 Vaccination
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.
The COVID-19 vaccine will also not cause you to test positive on COVID-19 viral tests that shows active infection. If your body develops an immune response, there is a possibility you may test positive on some antibody tests. Antibody tests check for previous infection.
People who have gotten sick from COVID-19 will still benefit from the vaccine. At this time, experts do not know how long someone is protected from getting sick again after recovering from COVID-19. Some early evidence suggests natural immunity may not last very long.
COVID-19 Testing
Another way to keep the virus under control is to be tested if you have symptoms or if you are in close contact to someone who is COVID-19 positive. Symptoms include: fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting and/or diarrhea. If you have symptoms of COVID-19, you should contact your primary care provider for COVID-19 testing. If you have been in close contact with someone who is COVID-19 positive, you should consider being tested for the virus and should quarantine for 14 days regardless of your test result. For more information on testing options, types of test and testing criteria at many locations, visit Bay.FloridaHealth. gov.
Healthy Together Mobile App
DOH-Bay and other Florida counties are now using the Healthy Together App available for download on the App Store or Google Play. The app provides secure COVID-19 Molecular (PCR) test results, for positive results allows the client to complete an in-app contact tracing interview and provides a communication channel through in-app notifications and links. The program expanded to Bay County in mid-November with much success for both patients and contact tracers.

For more Information on COVID-19
For text alert updates from the Florida Department of Health in Bay County, text “bayhealth” to 888-777. For additional information specific to Bay County, visit http://bay.floridahealth.gov/ or BayHealthCOVID19.com. Contact the Citizens Information Center Monday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., at (850) 2486090, or email ask@baycountyfl.gov.
To find the most up-to-date information and guidance on COVID-19, please visit the Department of Health’s dedicated COVID-19 website at FloridaHealthCOVID19.gov. For any other questions related to COVID-19 in Florida, call (866) 779-6121. The Call Center is available 24 hours per day or email COVID-19@ flhealth.gov.
Sources:
Centers for Disease Control (CDC):
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/index.html
Florida Department of Health COVID-19 Vaccination
Plan: http://ww11.doh.state.fl.us/comm/_partners/ covid19_report_archive/vaccination-plan/vaccination_ plan_latest.pdf
Florida Department of Health in Bay County:
http://bay.floridahealth.gov/
Florida Health COVID-19 website:
FloridaHealthCOVID19.gov
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