'If you're not vaccinated, you're at risk,' says Flagler's Dr. Bickel

In addition to many sites available now, the Department of Health will offer vaccinations for 12 and up at Wadsworth Elementary School starting June 7.


Photo by Spencer Davis on Unsplash
Photo by Spencer Davis on Unsplash
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With the Centers for Disease Control now saying that vaccinated people can congregate indoors without masks, Flagler County health officials are touting the local vaccination efforts and make plans to vaccinate more children ages 12 and up.

The CDC’s relaxing of restrictions reflects “a shift that the vaccinations are so effective that that’s your protection,” rather than the masks, Dr. Stephen Bickel, medical director for the Florida Department of Health-Flagler, said May 14 on WNZF’s “Free For All Friday.”

He also relayed the results of a study conducted at the Cleveland Clinic: Of those hospitalized with COVID-19 from January to March in Cleveland, 99.75% were not fully vaccinated.

“The message is, if you’re not vaccinated, you’re at risk,” Bickel said. “Think about it.”

Health Officer Bob Snyder said that now that the Food and Drug Administration has approved the Pfizer vaccine for ages 12 and up, the DOH will be receiving a large inventory of Pfizer and will be doing vaccinates in the Wadsworth Elementary School gym for three to four days per week beginning the week of June 7.

The vaccines are safe for children, Bickel said.

Snyder also reported that 81% of Flagler County residents ages 65 and up have been vaccinated.

Positive COVID-19 cases have fallen to about 11 per day, which is down from about 16 two weeks ago.

 

 

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Brian McMillan

Brian McMillan and his wife, Hailey, bought the Observer in 2023. Before taking on his role as publisher, Brian was the editor from 2010 to 2022, winning numerous awards for his column writing, photography and journalism, from the Florida Press Association.

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