COVID-19 Convention Center Vaccination Site Open to Residents Outside Orange County

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – On the first day that the COVID-19 vaccination for elderly residents at the Orange County Convention Center began, employees made a major change that will open the place for more people.

Florida Department of Health director in Orange County, Dr. Raul Pino, was adamant late Monday afternoon when plans were revealed to the location that only Orange County residents age 65 and older could get vaccines over there.

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“Now, all of these services are for Orange residents only and we will validate your residence with proper identification. So, when entering the information (online), make sure it matches the ID you will provide, ”said Pino on Monday.

The site was opened for vaccination for the first time at 9 am on Tuesday and around 1 pm, the county announced that it will no longer be restricted to Orange County residents.

No reason was given for the move, but Pino mentioned on Monday that there could be some logistical problems with allowing only Orange County residents.

“So, Orange County will have a challenge because we are a very central location and a magnet for neighboring communities. Other people from neighboring communities will try to get vaccinated here, so it will be interesting to see if people adhere to this, ”said Pino.

The goal is to vaccinate 1,500 people a day at the convention center.

Appointments are mandatory and can be made online here. However, after the first day, the online registration portal was closed, after more than 30,000 bookings in 24 hours.

“At this time, the Department is closing the CDR HealthPRO portal for further inquiries,” said an email from Orange County DOH. “The Department will provide an update when the system is reopened.”

Vaccination sites in Osceola and Seminole counties are also open to non-county residents. For details on these counties, click or tap here.