The first phase of the program will roll out Jan. 12 near Orlando International Airport; eligible members of the public must register and make an appointment.

ORLANDO — AdventHealth is pleased to announce the launch of its first phase of a community COVID-19 vaccine program, which will provide Central Florida seniors and health care workers access to the vaccine beginning Jan. 12.

AdventHealth plans to vaccinate several thousand people, or as much as supply allows, at its launch site adjacent to Orlando International Airport.

During this initial phase, the vaccine will be available to three groups:

• Community health care personnel with direct patient contact
• Established AdventHealth Medical Group patients who are 65 years and older
• AdventHealth caregivers’ relatives who are 65 or older

“AdventHealth is honored to be a trusted national leader and community partner in the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Brian Adams, CEO of AdventHealth’s Polk County market, who is leading the COVID response for the organization’s Central Florida Division. “We share the community’s excitement and eagerness to be vaccinated and are pleased the demand is so great. It’s extremely important that the vaccines be administered as quickly and efficiently as possible and according to state guidelines, and our goal is to make it easy for everyone to get vaccinated. We’re ready to expand our program as soon as we receive more vaccines from the state.”

Vaccine supplies are limited. Eligible AdventHealth Medical Group patients will receive an email invitation to schedule an appointment. Appointments are required and walk-ups will not be accommodated.

“This is a monumental opportunity. The vaccine is safe, highly effective, and simply put – the greatest tool we have in ending the pandemic,” said Dr. Scott Brady, CEO of AdventHealth Centra Care, which is operating the airport site. “We know the community is eager to be vaccinated, and we ask for their continued patience as we launch this program and provide vaccinations as supplies are available.”

We anticipate having enough supply to keep the airport site open through Friday, Jan. 15, but will be prepared to extend the operation should more supply become available. To date, AdventHealth has facilitated the vaccination of more than 25,500 people, including team members and physicians, community health care providers and first-responders. The vaccine is not currently available to the public at any AdventHealth hospitals, AdventHealth Centra Care locations or AdventHealth Medical Group practices.

Other important items to note:

• There is no out-of-pocket cost for receiving the vaccine.
• The COVID vaccine requires two doses, and those who receive their first vaccine at the airport site will be asked to schedule their second vaccine appointment.
• Proof of health care employment or age (for those 65 or older) is required upon registration.
• As part of the vaccine process, those receiving the vaccine will be required to stay on-site for at least 15 minutes to ensure there are no adverse reactions. Most reported side effects are mild and include arm soreness, fatigue and headache. AdventHealth will have medical professionals on hand to assist with any concerns.

Those who wish to be notified when they might be eligible to receive the vaccine can register for alerts at www.CoronavirusVaccineAlerts.com.

Other frequently asked questions:

Q: Who can sign up to receive the vaccine?

A: During this initial phase, the vaccine will only be available to community health care personnel with direct patient contact as well as AdventHealth Medical Group patients and AdventHealth caregivers’ relatives eligible under state and federal guidelines, including people 65 years and older.

Q: Why are we starting with AdventHealth Medical Group patients?

A: We are following state guidelines and providing vaccines to those who are 65 years and older. It’s our goal to launch a robust community vaccine program, and because of the limited supply, we are rolling this out in phases.

Q: How will the vaccination process work?

A: Upon arriving at the site, those with an appointment will park their car and walk to the check-in area where their appointment will be verified. Once verified, they will be directed to a vaccination station. After receiving the vaccination, they will be directed to the observation area where chairs will be provided, and those vaccinated will be asked to wait 15 minutes. There will be an opportunity during the waiting period to make an appointment for the second vaccination. After the waiting period is over, patients can return to their cars.

Q: Which vaccine are you providing at this site?

A: Pfizer or Moderna, depending on supply.

Q: Can I get a vaccine at an AdventHealth hospital, AdventHealth Centra Care or AdventHealth Medical Group practice?

A: No. We are not offering COVID-19 vaccines to the public at any of our hospitals, freestanding emergency departments, AdventHealth Centra Care or AdventHealth Medical Group practices at this time. Vaccination is safest at a location away from those being tested or treated for COVID-19.

Q: Will you open other community vaccination sites?

A: Because of limited supply, we are focusing our efforts on a centralized location near Orlando International Airport.

Q: Are you still offering vaccines for AdventHealth frontline team members at your facilities?

A: We are currently providing the second, booster shots to those in the first wave of frontline workers to receive the vaccine.

Q: Is the COVID-19 vaccine safe?

A: Extensive clinical trials were conducted with thousands of participants to evaluate the COVID-19 vaccine and generate scientific data and other information for the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to determine its safety and effectiveness. You cannot get COVID-19 from a vaccine.

Q: How does the COVID-19 vaccine work?

A: The vaccine helps you develop antibodies that make you less susceptible to the disease. It does not use the live virus that causes COVID-19.

Q: What should the remaining public do in the meantime?

A: We strongly support community masking initiatives and are aggressively advocating team members and the public wear a mask whenever they are out in the community. Masks help reduce the transmission of any kind of droplets and, along with social distancing and frequent hand washing, are the best things you can do to keep yourself and your loved ones safe.

Q: Where else can I get a COVID-19 vaccine?

A: Many area county health departments are offering vaccines to eligible members of the public. Those who wish to be notified when they might be eligible to receive the vaccine from AdventHealth can register for alerts at www.CoronavirusVaccineAlerts.com.