Broward Health to start giving COVID-19 vaccines to the elderly, community health providers

FORT LAUDERDALE, Florida. – People aged 65 and over and community health providers can pre-register to receive the vaccine against COVID-19 starting on Wednesday at Broward Health.

Community health providers are defined as dentists, psychologists, physiotherapists, social workers, nurses, medical assistants, mental health counselors, podiatrists, pharmacists, technicians in outpatient surgical centers and anyone who interacts with patients.

Dr. Aldo Calvo, medical director of outpatient services at Broward Health, said they are starting the campaign with the supply of the COVID-19 vaccine developed by Moderna and the National Institutes of Health.

“We know that the expectation was to have at least 20 million people vaccinated by the end of the year,” said Calvo. “This is probably not going to happen, unfortunately, so by doing this community service, we will try to get to that number as soon as possible.”

The first priority of Broward Health’s public vaccination campaign also includes Broward Health’s accredited medical team, Emergency Medical Services staff and community health provider office staff.

The health professional’s age or place of residence or practice is not relevant during the pre-screening process, according to Jennifer Smith, a spokeswoman for Broward Health. For example, a 26-year-old clerk who works in a psychologist’s office in Miami-Dade County may be eligible to receive the vaccine at Broward Health.

For more information on pre-screening and to register and make an appointment, call Nurse Connect Line from Broward Health at 954-759-7500. The system was overloaded with calls on Tuesday night. Calvo asked the audience to be patient.

“We are doing our best,” said Calvo of Broward Health’s efforts to accommodate demand.

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