WEST PALM BEACH, Florida – The Florida Department of Health in Palm Beach County announced on Tuesday that residents 65 and older can call to schedule an appointment for the COVID-19 vaccine, however, the number did not work when midday.
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DOH posted a number, 561-625-5180, on its website, but spokesman Alex Shaw said later that the hotline is down and that they are working to resolve the issues.
“Our appointment line can only answer 150 calls at a time and is currently full,” said Shaw.
The Palm Beach County Health Department says the phone line for seniors to schedule vaccines has been dropped after being “overwhelmed” with calls.
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Health officials said they were encouraged by the high demand for the vaccine, but the doses available are limited.
The Florida Department of Health in Palm Beach County said it was expanding its infrastructure to meet high demand.
A department tweet instructed people to “call back next week.”
Our scheduling line is full. The number is correct. Please call back next week.
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The DOH in Palm Beach County is currently focusing on fulfilling all current appointments and completing vaccinations for frontline health workers.
Patients are encouraged to speak with their primary care provider to answer questions about the vaccine before receiving it.
Dr. David Dodson said on Tuesday that demand for the vaccine is growing.
“Our office is full of calls now with people wanting to get the vaccine,” said Dodson.
Dr. Alina Alonso, head of the Florida Department of Health in Palm Beach County, said earlier this month that the Modern vaccine is being distributed in the municipality.
Health professionals in several county hospitals began to be vaccinated Last week.
“Doctor’s offices need to be registered with Florida SHOTS, which is the statewide vaccine registry, and then assume that once the vaccine is available, it will go to CVS and Walgreens pharmacies and doctors’ offices for distribution,” he said. Dodson.
He expects this to likely happen between February and April, depending on how quickly vaccines can be made and whether more drug makers are approved.
Dr. Larry Bush, of the Palm Beach County Medical Society, is an investigator for the AstraZeneca vaccine trial.
“The advantage of these vaccines coming to an end, now AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson, is at least AstraZeneca… it has millions and millions of doses already made and ready to be shipped. Two, you don’t need a special shipment. He can stay in the fridge for six months, “said Bush.
Doctors believe that widespread vaccination could happen in the spring.
Those with additional questions about the vaccine can call 1-866-779-6121 or send an email to [email protected].