Panama City, Fla.— The Florida Department of Health in Bay County (DOH-Bay), in partnership with the Florida Department of Health, Florida Division of Emergency Management, Bay County Emergency Management, and other community partners are providing COVID-19 vaccination sites. To keep Florida residents and visitors safe and aware regarding the status of the virus, DOH-Bay will continue to issue this update every week.

County health departments have an important role to play in administering vaccine. Here’s a summary of some of our top efforts February 22 – 28.

• Provided more than 1,500 second doses of vaccine.
• Offered 500 first dose appointments

“Last week we reached a significant milestone in our vaccination effort. Fifty percent of our 65 and older residents have received the vaccine. This would not have been possible without our valued community partners to whom I am thankful.” said Sandon S. Speedling, MHS, CPM, CPH, Administrator and Health Officer, Florida Department of Health in Bay County.

The Florida Department of Health in Bay County continues to fight to protect health and safety as the rollout of COVID-19 vaccine continues. This week we plan to offer appointments for 500 first doses of vaccine and 500 second doses.

The total number of Bay County residents to receive the COVID-19 vaccine is 22,639 with 15,714 persons being seniors 65 and older. Fifty-two-percent of Bay County’s seniors have now received the vaccine. The State COVID-19 Vaccine Summary by County is available here.

On Friday, Governor Ron DeSantis issued Executive Order Number 21-46 which states that hospital providers, physicians, advanced practice registered nurses, and pharmacists may also vaccinate persons whom they deem to be extremely vulnerable to COVID-19.

Monday, Governor Ron DeSantis issued Executive Order Number 21-47 which, beginning March 3, 2021, adds K-12 school employees 50 years of age and older, sworn law enforcement officers 50 years of age and older, and firefighters 50 years of age and older to the list of individuals eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

This is a historic mass vaccination effort and it is going to take some time to vaccinate everyone who wants to be vaccinated. Your patience and understanding are essential and appreciated.

COVID-19 Vaccine Appointments

Individuals 65 and older and frontline health care workers can now pre-register for vaccine appointments and be notified when appointments are available in their area by visiting myvaccine.fl.gov or by calling 866-201-0712. 

Publix is now offering COVID-19 vaccination at all five Bay County locations. To make an appointment, visit https://www.publix.com/covid-vaccine.

Walmart is now offering COVID-19 vaccines at all five Bay County locations through the federal pharmacy program. To check availability or make an appointment, visit walmart.com/COVIDvaccine.

Winn Dixie is offering COVID-19 vaccines at two Bay County locations. To check availability or make an appointment, visit https://www.winndixie.com/pharmacy/covid-vaccine.

The Florida Department of Health has created a vaccine locator site at https://floridahealthcovid19.gov/vaccines/vaccine-locator/.

COVID-19 Data

• Percent positivity- 9.48% (Week of Feb. 20)
• Cases in the past 7 days- 381
• Cases in the past 14 days- 733
• Total positive residents- 18,046

There have been 346 COVID-19 related deaths (2% of all cases) of Bay County residents. Eleven deaths were confirmed in the past week.

As posted on the Agency for Health Care Administration dashboard, there are 27 persons in Bay County hospitals with a primary diagnosis of COVID-19. The total number of Bay County Residents who have been hospitalized at some point during their illness is 770 (4% of all cases).

The COVID-19 daily reports continue to be updated daily and the Florida Department of Health COVID-19 Dashboard also continues to be updated daily. Please find all daily reports here. 

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About the Florida Department of Health 

The Department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at @HealthyFla. For more information about the Florida Department of Health, please visit www.FloridaHealth.gov.