Orange County senior describes COVID-19 vaccine process

ORLANDO, #Fla. – The first day of vaccinations for #Central #Florida seniors began #Tuesday morning at the #Orange #County #Convention #Center.

“It’s relaxing to know that it’s finally here,” said #Bill #Young, who’s 75 years old.

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#Young and his wife, #Irene, said they couldn’t be more relieved after #Bill received the first dose of the #Moderna vaccine. #Irene said she has an appointment to get her shot on #Thursday.

“They did a lot of checking to make sure the barcode was correct and your name and age were correct,” #Young said.

#Cars began rolling inside the #North #Concourse at the convention center just before 8 a.m.

#Kent #Donahue, spokesman for the #Florida #Department of #Health #Orange #County, said the agency had 1,500 appointments booked for the day, and he expects it will be just as busy #Wednesday.

#He said appointments are required and only people 65 and older are eligible. The vaccine site is also open to be who reside outside of #Orange #County, according to the county website.

“As you know, this is the #Moderna (vaccine), so there’s a window of time for the first dose and the second dose. #It’s a 28-day cycle. #On that 29th day, they should automatically get that second appointment through the system itself,” #Donahue explained.

#Donahue said the site will be open for a half-day on #Thursday, which is #New #Year’s #Eve, and will be closed on #Friday, #New #Year’s #Day.

#Residents can make an appointment by registering at https://www.patientportalfl.com/s/