- April 25, 2024
-
-
Loading
Loading
by: Gretchen Smith
DOH-Flagler
Given the unprecedented volume of positive COVID-19 cases in our community, the Flagler County Health Department has modified its testing and vaccination schedules for the first and second weeks of August.
According to Health Officer Bob Snyder, the changes being made will result in a streamlined schedule of COVID testing and vaccinations that take place five afternoons a week at least one DOH location starting Aug. 9.
“We’ve enjoyed partnering with local churches, and we’re at a point now where we need to stay in one location to address the huge influx of testing requests and positive cases we are experiencing,” said Snyder. “We are suspending our mobile sites at local churches and are making sure we have the resources in place to offer vaccinations and testing five afternoons at our main office in Bunnell.”
The health department operated its final mobile event at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church on Friday, July 30.
Snyder also shared that the department is prioritizing testing for individuals with COVID symptoms and that testing is by appointment only. Reservations can be made by calling 386-437-7350 ext. 0, weekdays between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Since the health department has stopped offering COVID testing for travel, residents requiring this verification will need to coordinate with a Flagler County pharmacy.
The schedule for the week of Aug. 2 follows:
The health department will transition to offer testing and vaccinations five afternoons a week starting Monday, Aug. 9, with the potential to add a second location (120 Airport Road, 2nd floor) in the coming weeks. No appointments are necessary for vaccinations. The health department currently offers the Pfizer vaccine, which is approved for adults and children over age 12.
Snyder added, “On July 28, the CDC updated its guidance that even vaccinated people in high risk communities like Flagler County should wear masks indoors. The delta variant is highly contagious, which helps to explain why we had 665 positive cases this week compared with 400 a week ago. Please get vaccinated, wear a mask, wash your hands and social distance whenever possible. If you need to get tested and don’t have symptoms, reach out to any pharmacy in the area. This is our shot, Flagler. Stay safe.”
For more information about COVID-19 vaccination and testing efforts, please visit https://flhealthcovid19.gov/.
