Pinellas County Commissioners Get Coronavirus Vaccine Update

From the Pinellas County Government:

January 26, 2021

A total of 63,916 people have received at least their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccination in Pinellas County, but supply at the federal and state levels remains far below demand.

Florida Department of Health in Pinellas County Director Dr. Ulyee Choe updated Pinellas County Commissioners at their regular meeting Tuesday on the state of local vaccine distribution and COVID-19 case loads.

Following a vendor technology outage that delayed vaccine appointment signups Saturday, 8,000 new vaccine appointments were filled within 45 minutes through the online patient portal, demonstrating the massive demand among residents eligible to get the vaccine.

Four public vaccination sites supported by local fire paramedics that opened last week are delivering about 2,200 vaccines per day supplied by the State of Florida. The State has sent additional doses to hospitals, health care providers, pharmacies and long-term care facilities, Choe said.

In the coming weeks, a large portion of the additional state supply will go to providing second doses, which are critical for the efficacy of the vaccine, Choe said.

The state-run health department and Pinellas County are also working with the vendor for the online appointment system and vaccine site coordination, CDR Maguire, to ensure the system functions more smoothly next time vaccines are available.

Choe also shared the following data about COVID-19 cases in Pinellas County:

• 7.1 percent average positive test rate over the past week
• 1,255 total deaths, 67 percent over age of 65
• Hospital and ICU capacity is currently stable. A reminder was also shared during the meeting that residents experiencing life-threatening medical emergencies should call 911 and not forego going to the hospital if needed. Some residents have been concerned about seeking emergency medical assistance due to the pandemic.

For more information on local vaccine distribution and availability, visit https://covid19.pinellascounty.org/vaccines

In other action Tuesday, the Board:

• Extended the State of Local Emergency for COVID-19 through Feb. 5.
• Issued a proclamation recognizing January as Human Trafficking Awareness Month.
• Approved a production agreement for a “Hallmark-style” film to be filmed in Pinellas County that includes a promotion fee of $500,000. The County’s advertising agency of record estimates the tourism advertising value at $2.1 million. The incentive would be paid only after all deliverables are received and allows the County to receive residual revenues from film sales.
• Approved the Board’s 2021 State Legislative Program, outlining the Board’s guiding principles and priorities for the upcoming Florida Legislative Session.

This press release was produced by the Pinellas County Government. The views expressed here are the author’s own.