VACCINES

Professors and other plaintiffs are urging a federal appeals court to keep in place a preliminary injunction against a new Florida law that seeks to restrict the way race-related concepts can be taught in universities.

Health officials in Marion County are hosting a free vaccination event for students Saturday ahead of the upcoming school year.

Three ex-Disney employees are suing the company, claiming they were fired after refusing to wear face masks and get the COVID-19 vaccine.

As Pfizer’s and Moderna’s lower-dose COVID-19 vaccines for children under 5 are rolled out across the U.S., Lakeland-based supermarket chain Publix confirmed this week that it is not administering the shots to that age group “at this time,” offering little explanation.

An Orlando pediatrician is encouraging parents to get their young children vaccinated against COVID-19 after the U.S. opened the shots to young children on Saturday.

Florida Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo says the state will formally recommend against COVID-19 vaccinations for healthy children.

Saying it is too early to determine whether pursuing the change would be “prudent,” Gov. Ron DeSantis’ administration has told legislative leaders that it could take about nine years to move away from workplace regulation by the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

Some drivers waited more than two hours to get a COVID-19 test at Barnett Park Sunday. The demand is so high, Orange County is reopening another drive-up testing site Monday.

Amid a new surge in COVID-19 cases in Florida and across the country, the big question is how many of these new cases are of the new omicron variant.

A Georgia judge ruled to block President Joe Biden’s federal vaccine mandate for all U.S. contractors and subcontractors on Tuesday.

Should you get a vaccine if you've already had COVID? The CDC says the latest research shows you should.

The Florida Department of Health in Lake County is hosting multiple free COVID-19 vaccination events across school campuses next week, according to Lake County Public Schools.

A Central Florida business owner who has been outspoken in his criticism of President Joe Biden's proposed vaccine mandate is weighing in on Gov. Ron DeSantis's announcement Thursday to hold a special legislative session aimed at preventing such mandates in Florida.

Flu infections are expected to be widespread in 2021-22, according to medical experts, and it’s imperative we avoid the “one-two punch” of contracting the flu and COVID-19 still so active in our communities.

More than 100 Florida entities, including businesses, municipalities and event venues, are under review with the Department of Health. Even Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings is on the list.

Omni Healthcare pediatrics facilities throughout Brevard County are now administering the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine to children 12 and older, according to a press release from Omni Healthcare on Monday.

Lake County commissioners voted 4-1 in favor of opposing the federal COVID-19 vaccine mandate at a meeting held Tuesday morning.

AdventHealth's chief nursing officer says the health care system has enough supplies to get through the most recent surge of COVID-19 cases but its staff are exhausted and need relief soon.

The rise in new virus cases is “an alarming trend.”

A Winter Garden lab is now offering an antibody test that can determine how protected you are from COVID-19.

Mask required signs are coming down at businesses across Central Florida after the CDC's new rules stating those who are vaccinated don't have to wear masks.

Experts say it could be 2023 or later before COVID-19 vaccines are widely available in some countries.

Students 16 and older will be able to get a COVID-19 vaccine at school starting next week, according to a news release from the school district.

First- and second-graders line up for Salk Polio vaccine shots on April 23, 1955. Regardless of where anyone stands on the matter, we know that vaccinations have been protecting us from diseases for decades. In 1921, the United States recorded 206,000 cases, which resulted in 15,520 deaths, according to the History of Vaccines website. According to the CDC, polio was once one of the most feared diseases in the U.S. Since 1979, there have been no polio cases that originated in the U.S.

NEW YORK – When will children be able to get COVID-19 vaccines? Researchers started with older children because they tend to respond to vaccines most similarly to adults. Pfizer and Moderna expect to start studies in children 11 and younger later this year. Read previous Viral Questions:How would COVID-19 vaccine makers adapt to variants? AdHow do we know the COVID-19 vaccines are safe?

The sisters of Spanish King Felipe VI have acknowledged on Wednesday, March 3, 2021, that they were administered COVID-19 vaccines during a visit to the United Arab Emirates. (AP Photo/Daniel Ochoa de Olza, File)MADRID – Two untimely coronavirus jabs have dealt another blow to the reputation of Spain's royals. The vaccination by the king’s sisters was widely criticized across Spain. The sisters of Spain’s King Felipe VI are no longer part of the official royal household, which said that the 53-year-old Felipe, Queen Letizia and their two daughters have not yet been vaccinated. Health Minister Carolina Darias, from the senior, Socialist partner of the governing coalition, made a distinction between Felipe and his sisters.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – The appointment website to schedule a shot at the Orange County Convention Center reopened Monday and more than 24 hours later, there were still appointments available, according to county leaders. “Thousands of appointments will be available to anyone who is 65 years or older and who is a Florida resident,” Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings said during a news conference last week. 🍊@DohOrange reabrirá las citas en línea para las vacunas contra COVID-19 en el @OCCC, el lunes 1ro. ✅ Configure su cuenta con anticipación: https://t.co/CfkLO1Squh pic.twitter.com/IdANUeUa7M — Orange County FL (@OrangeCoFL) February 25, 2021Anyone who is able to secure a vaccination appointment but doesn’t have a means of transportation to the Orange County Convention Center can dial 311 or call 407-836-3111 to coordinate with LYNX for a possible free transportation option, county officials said. Click here for a full list of vaccination sites in Orange County.

SANFORD, Fla. – Seminole County held a mobile vaccination site at the Masjid Al Hayy Mosque in Sanford on Saturday in an effort to reach additional communities across the county. Before stepping inside the mosque, visitors took off their shoes or wore booties as they waited to receive their COVID-19 vaccine. [RELATED: Seminole hosts mobile vaccine sites at mosque, Hindu temple]Seminole County holds mobile vaccination site at Sanford mosqueThe mosque in Sanford partnered with the health department and county government to get results. They offered almost 400 shots at the mobile vaccination site. She adds as more people get the vaccine, they’re seeing a decline in the number of hospitalizations and cases.

SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. – Health officials in Seminole County announced new mobile coronavirus vaccine sites that will help reach additional communities across the county. Officials said the mobile unit will be vaccinating over 300 eligible seniors and healthcare workers at the Hindu Society of Central Florida Temple in Casselberry. Another vaccine site in Sanford will open Saturday at Masjid Al Hayy Mosque on Myrtle Street. This will be the first vaccine site at a mosque in Florida, according to county officials. The Florida Department of Health in Seminole County said 52% of seniors 65 and older have received the vaccine so far.

SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. – Health officials in Seminole County announced new mobile coronavirus vaccine sites that will help reach additional communities across the county. Officials said the mobile unit will be vaccinating over 300 eligible seniors and healthcare workers at the Hindu Society of Central Florida Temple in Casselberry. Another vaccine site in Sanford will open Saturday at Masjid Al Hayy Mosque on Myrtle Street. This will be the first vaccine site at a mosque in Florida, according to county officials. The Florida Department of Health in Seminole County said 52% of seniors 65 and older have received the vaccine so far.

SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. – Health officials in Seminole County announced new mobile coronavirus vaccine sites that will help reach additional communities across the county. Officials said the mobile unit will be vaccinating over 300 eligible seniors and healthcare workers at the Hindu Society of Central Florida Temple in Casselberry. Another vaccine site in Sanford will open Saturday at Masjid Al Hayy Mosque on Myrtle Street. This will be the first vaccine site at a mosque in Florida, according to county officials. The Florida Department of Health in Seminole County said 52% of seniors 65 and older have received the vaccine so far.

The imminent addition of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine to the mix, plus increased production of the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines, should help, DeSantis said. AdAccording to the Florida Department of Health, there have been 79,833 people vaccinated in Brevard County so far. The Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine will require just one dose. Brevard County Emergency Management Director John Scott said there currently are about 47,000 people from Brevard on a state waiting list for a vaccine appointment. In Brevard County, the number is 866-201-5420 (or 833-476-1525 for TTY users, such as people with hearing or speech difficulties).

All Florida Publix locations will soon be offering COVID-19 vaccines to those who are eligible to get them. Vaccinations are provided by appointment only, while supplies last, through the online reservation system at publix.com/covidvaccine. Appointments cannot be made by calling Publix or the Publix Pharmacy. According to Publix officials, the reservation system typically opens every Monday, Wednesday and Friday morning. To view a full list of Florida pharmacies offering appointments for the COVID-19 vaccine, click or tap here.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – Starting Monday, Orange County will serve 3,000 appointments each day at the Orange County Convention Center. The increase in capacity for Orange County comes as Florida is set to receive a boost in doses after Pfizer and Moderna upped their production of the COVID-19 vaccine. “We’ve been able to get 2 million of those 6 million doses out. AdWhile the delays impacted Flagler and Volusia counties, there were no issues with Orange County getting the vaccines they need to keep up with their appointments. “We’re seeing people from Palm Beach County, Lee County, Lake County, The Villages have been well represented here, but also Orange and Seminole counties.

KISSIMMEE, Fla. – The Florida Department of Health in Osceola County is holding COVID-19 pre-registration events to help people pre-register for the COVID-19 vaccine. “At our vaccination site we’re not seeing a tremendous number of Hispanic residents and African American residents,” Lanier said. We’re just so thankful.”Lanier adds the health department is doing what it can to make sure everyone gets the chance to get vaccinated. The health department is planning several other pre-registration events across the county. Click or tap here for more information on COVID-19 testing and vaccinations in Osceola County.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – A new public advisory signed by Florida’s surgeon general outlines who is eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine in the Sunshine State. f. Mail from a federal, state, county, or municipal government agency, not more than 2 months old. One family even told News 6 earlier this week they drove 2,000 miles in an RV to Brevard County because they believe their best shot at getting a COVID-19 vaccine is moving from California to Florida. That’s just gonna start tomorrow morning.”More than 1.3 million people have been vaccinated against COVID-19 in Florida, with more than 40,000 of the shots administered to people from out of state, according to the latest daily vaccine report from the Florida Department of Health. “If you have already received the vaccine or already received an appointment then your appointment is going to be honored.”

ORLANDO, Fla. – Anyone hoping to get vaccinated for COVID-19 in the Sunshine State moving forward must reside in Florida at least part time, according to health officials. The new requirement was discussed Tuesday morning during a call with emergency management officials from the state, according to Seminole County Emergency Management Director Alan Harris. You have to present a driver’s license, a power bill or something that says you’re a resident here in the state of Florida. Floridians are asked to be patient as county health departments roll out vaccination plans for millions of residents who meet the age qualifications. So far, 1,031,795 people have been vaccinated in Florida, according to the latest data from the Florida Department of Health, with more than 36,000 shots administered to those from out of state.

(AP Photo/Frank Augstein)Can COVID-19 vaccines be mixed and matched? The COVID-19 vaccines rolling out in the United States, the United Kingdom and other parts of the world so far require two shots given a few weeks apart. In the U.S. where Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are being distributed, health officials say the vaccines are not interchangeable. But without any studies, vaccine doses should not be mixed, said Naor Bar-Zeev, a vaccine expert at Johns Hopkins University. Read previous Viral Questions:Should I get a COVID-19 vaccine if I’ve had the virus?

LAKE COUNTY, Fla. – Lake County Schools is teaming up with the Florida Department of Health and Lake County Board of County Commissioners to offer free COVID-19 vaccines to select district employees, according to a news release. Free vaccines will be offered next week to district employees age 65 and older, all school and district nurses and any unlicensed assistive personnel, the medication-trained employees who cover school clinics when nurses are not available. [WATCH: Lake County Schools offering free COVID-19 vaccines to teachers, nurses, others]“I don’t stay at home all the time, I wear my mask but I think I’ll feel better once the second one is done and we are reassured but I’m just grateful,” she said. Meantime, the Orange County school board petitioned Gov. Ron DeSantis again after their request to prioritize school employees in the state vaccination rollout wasn’t granted.

FILE - In this file photo dated Wednesday, Dec. 30, 2020, a bottle of Moderna COVID-19 vaccine on a table before being utilised in Topeka, USA. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel, File)FLAGLER COUNTY, Fla. – Health officials in Flagler County are expecting another shipment of COVID-19 vaccines next week, according to a news release from the health department. Anyone looking to get a COVID-19 test in Flagler County next week should also make note of some changes to operations at some testing sites, according to the release. Drive through COVID-19 testing across from 120 Airport Road will be offered Monday and Tuesday afternoon. “Testing on Wednesday and Thursday has been postponed; however, there are other locations in Flagler County that provide COVID-19 testing, including two Mediquick locations, CentraCare and CVS Pharmacies,” the release read.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – Orange County firefighters are doing door knocks in communities for residents age 65 and older to notify them of at-home COVID-19 vaccine opportunities. Orange County Fire Rescue officials said in a Facebook post Wednesday that crews are first going door to door to let seniors know that they are eligible to receive a shot at home and will return to the same communities in a few days with the actual vaccines. Our firefighters are going door to door in 65+ communities throughout Orange County, Florida to notify residents that... Posted by Orange County Fire Rescue Department, Florida on Wednesday, January 13, 2021Orange County Fire Rescue officials said several 65-and-older communities will be visited and offered the free shots in an effort to get Florida’s elderly community vaccinated more quickly. Details on how to register for a COVID-19 vaccine in Florida can be found here. As of now, Florida is vaccinating only three priority groups: Health care workers, long-term care facility staff and residents and people 65 or older.

SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. – Using mobile units, Seminole County Emergency Director Alan Harris said health officials will soon begin vaccinating at faith organizations. The goal is to focus on faith organizations in communities that are low-income, fixed-income or transportation-disadvantaged. So far, 48 churches have partnered with Seminole County, willing to open up their sanctuaries and empty fellowship halls as points of distribution. Pastor Andre’ Martin, Jr. said his church has worked with Seminole County health officials to provide other health screenings, like blood pressure and diabetes screenings at his church in years past. “There aren’t that many services in this specific area of the county,” Martin said Friday.

SUMTER COUNTY, Fla. – Sumter County Health Department officials said Wednesday they are accepting a small number of appointments for people 65 and older but will plan a “mass vaccination” event at a later date when more COVID-19 vaccine doses are available. The county received 2,500 doses of the Moderna vaccine the week of Dec. 30. Those doses will first go to medical workers who will inoculate the rest of the community and those caring for COVID-19 patients, according to the health department. | Fla. child porn suspect had hidden bunker]Starting Jan. 4, the Sumter County Health Department will offer a “small block of appointments” at the Bushnell office to vaccinate people 65 and older. The county is planning a “mass vaccination event” at a future date but could not provide details.

They are both in the same hospital with COVID-19 and had to wait for a couple days to get a bed. The couple are emblematic of the crisis deepening at an alarming rate in California, where hospitals are being stretched to their limits as the virus explodes across the state. Health officials now fear the increase will only be compounded through Christmas and New Year’s. In many places, health officials say, people tired of wearing face masks and staying away from others are simply disregarding suggested precautions. Britain’s health secretary said this week that the new variant was believed to be linked to the rapid surge of COVID-19 cases in south and southeastern England.

I am fixing and we will move forward from there," Perna told reporters in telephone briefing. I am fixing and we will move forward from there," Gen. Gustave Perna told reporters in a telephone briefing. There is no problem with the Moderna vaccine.”There’s a distinction between manufactured vaccine and doses that are ready to be released. Perna said the government now is on track to get approximately 20 million doses to states by the first week of January, a combination of the newly approved Moderna vaccine and the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. Gretchen Whitmer on Friday accused the White House of “slow-walking the process.” Michigan is due 60,000 doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine in its second allotment, down from an anticipated 84,825.

But when the latest shortfall hit the local allotment of new COVID-19 vaccine doses, Washington's neighboring states pitched in to help make up the difference. In a heartening demonstration of interstate collectivism, Maryland and Virginia are each sending 8,000 vaccine doses, more than tripling the amount available for health care workers in the nation's capital. The dosage allotments were based on population, but many of Washington's health care workers live in the intertwined neighboring communities of Maryland and northern Virginia. D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser had sent a letter to U.S. health officials claiming the “one-size-fits-all formula for distribution” would prove “woefully insufficient.”Govs. None of the three jurisdictions will receive anywhere close to enough doses in the first batch to cover all their health care workers.

ORLANDO, Fla. The Florida Department of Health in Orange County is offering free vaccines for students as part of its back-to-school immunizations event. The health department hosts the event annually, but this year is different due to the coronavirus pandemic. Free school-required vaccines are being offered for Orange County students and children 4 to 18 years of age entering, attending or transferring to Florida schools. Briana Buttone, who recently moved to Orange County from New York, made an appointment to transfer her 6-year-old daughters immunizations records to make sure she has all the required vaccines to start school in the fall. The health department said it has the capacity to vaccinate 250 kids each day.

Officials across Central Florida and throughout the state are considering taking a few steps back as they assess a recent, steady rise in newly reported cases of COVID-19. This is the largest jump in newly reported cases of COVID-19 since the disease was detected in the state on March 1. The new statistics bring the total number of coronavirus cases reported in Florida to 80,109, along with 2,993 total deaths. On Saturday, state health officials reported about 2,500 new cases of COVID-19, the second-highest number of newly reported cases in a single day. Demings said a lockdown could be put back in place to protect residents if newly reported cases of COVID-19 continue to rise.