COVID vaccine distribution in Leon County: What you need to know

Though Leon County residents applaud Leon County Health Department workers and other public service employees who spent their holiday weekend administering shots of the COVID-19 vaccine, the process for securing a spot in line continues to confuse those left waiting. 

Many seniors are left wondering: Have I done everything I needed to do? 

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Vaccine rollout in the U.S. is ramping up, and just over 4 million people have received a first dose as of Monday, Jan. 4, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

In Florida, 255,808 total people have been administered the first dose so far, a state report shows.

When can residents in Tallahassee and the surrounding area sign up for their shots? What is the best route to take?

Here's what we know so far. 

How many vaccinated so far in Leon County?

As of Saturday, 4,847 Leon County residents have been vaccinated against COVID-19, according to the Florida Department of Health. No one has yet received a second dose of the two-dose vaccine series, as individuals must wait 28 days between doses. 

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How do I get a COVID vaccine?

At last update, Leon County Health Department officials ask seniors — people ages 65 and older, — to fill out a form online that takes down name, age, birth date, phone number and email address. 

Be patient. You will receive a call back, but not until they are able to schedule an appointment for you. You won't receive a call just to confirm they have received your form.)

On Thursday afternoon, Leon Health officials said they had received a total of 2,500 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine and had given 1,745 doses. They said they were "no longer accepting new appointments" for seniors to get shots.

However, you should still fill out an online form so you are in line for when more vaccine arrives.

How much does it cost?

The Leon County Health Department is administering the COVID-19 vaccine free of charge.

Can I show up without an appointment?

No! The health department says when appointments are available, individuals will receive a phone call to schedule a time. Do not show up without a specific appointment time. You will be turned away when you get to the front of the line.

"Please do not go for vaccination until you receive a confirmed appointment time," the department says online. "Anyone who does not have a confirmed appointment time will not be served. Please understand there is a high demand for vaccination, and we will only serve those with an appointment time and as vaccine supply lasts." 

Where do I sign up?

Visit Leon.FloridaHealth.Gov to fill out a COVID-19 vaccine request form. You will be asked to fill out boxes of information that include your name, phone number, email address and birth date.

Once you hit "submit," a confirmation webpage will appear with some additional information and a request that you fill out either a Moderna or Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine consent form. These forms are not required ahead of time, but will save you some trouble once you arrive at your appointment, the department says. 

The forms include COVID-19 screening questions and possible allergy information. 

Can I call?

The Leon County Health Department phone lines have been overloaded. The recommendation is not to call, but to fill out the basic online form and wait for a call back.

More:Leon County Health Department overwhelmed with calls for free COVID-19 vaccine

State Rep. Allison Tant, D-Tallahassee, said on Facebook her husband received two calls from the health department to schedule an appointment. The second came on a Sunday after he had missed the first. 

"Answer every call. Some are coming in from personal cell numbers of workers, others are coming from unknown callers," Tant wrote online. "The process seems to be working. Please keep sharing your experiences with me so I can stay on top of it."

FAQs from the Leon County Department of Health 

On Monday, the Leon County Health Department responded to the Tallahassee Democrat's request for information with answers to frequently asked questions. 

"How will I know that my request form has been received? 

"Once the request form is submitted, you will receive an automated confirmation. This means you have been placed on a list to be called for an appointment. (Editor's note: This is apparently an automated confirmation on the screen, not an automated call or email.)

"Does the request form guarantee a COVID-19 vaccination appointment? 

"A submitted request form confirms you are in our system to be contacted for an appointment.  

"When will the Department of Health contact me? 

"Calls for appointments are being made in the order request forms are received. Expect a delay due to the number of request forms we have received.   

"Where is the site for the health department’s vaccination clinic? 

"Leon County Health Department 

2965 Municipal Way 

Tallahassee, FL 32304 

"There will be signs, traffic control and people to guide you through the drive-through process at your appointment time.  

"Will I have to leave my vehicle to receive my vaccination? 

"You will remain in your vehicle while being screened and vaccinated. Expect the process from the moment you enter the site to exiting the process to take 30-40 minutes. 

"How will I know when it’s time for me to receive the second dose of vaccine? 

"When you receive your first appointment, your second dose appointment will be given at the same time. Maximum protection is achieved after the second dose of the same brand.  

"There is a chance you might not have been given a second appointment or you may have forgotten the date. If this is the case, please email LeonCHD.Feed-back@flhealth.gov and type Second Dose in the subject line. In the body of the email, put your name, date of first dose and brand of the vaccine. You will be emailed an appointment for the second dose.  

"Will I absolutely receive a second dose? 

"The federal government and its suppliers have assured us there will be enough for a second dose of the same manufacturer brand for those who received the first dose.  

"Can I receive a vaccine from my primary care physician? 

"The Leon County Health Department encourages you to stay in communication with your personal physician as they may receive vaccines and may be able to serve you while you await your appointment for the second dose." 

Contact CD Davidson-Hiers at 850-631-0958 or at CDavidsonH@Tallahassee.com. Twitter: @DavidsonHiers. Note: This number leads to a newspaper reporter, not a health official.