Children ages 5 to 11 could be fully immunized during the holidays, Orange County officials say

ORANGE COUNTY, Florida. – Orange County children aged 5 to 11 could be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as early as the winter holiday season, county leaders said at a press conference Thursday.

Dr Raul Pino, of the Florida Department of Health, said Orange County is partnering with third-party vendor Health Hero, which allows the state to pay for all COVID-19 vaccine doses distributed to schools across the country. county.

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“Different providers will receive different vaccines on different dates,” Pino said. “The health service of the vaccination clinic is receiving 5,000 doses and this should be activated (November 8 or 9). We already have the … syringes, gloves and everything that goes with them.

Vaccines will also be available for the 5-11 age group in pharmacies, supermarkets and pediatric practices.

The rollout of the vaccine in the county is expected to begin at 22 high schools on Nov. 9-11 and 13, according to Scott Howat, communications director for Orange County public schools.

Parents can take their children to any participating school in the district after school to receive the vaccine.

“They will serve as our power models for the schools (elementary and middle) that power these high schools,” Howat said. “We sent a district wide message to all of our parents yesterday.”

Howat added that obtaining the COVID-19 vaccine is completely voluntary, but he encourages parents and children to take advantage of this opportunity.

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“Every decision in health care is a decision of the parent,” added Pino. “I would advise them to consult a provider, a pediatrician if they have one … It is a preventive approach of protection and prevention.”

Pino said the county’s immunization schedule for the more than 126,000 children in this age group is aimed at ensuring the number of COVID-19 continues to decline, especially with the anticipation of vacation travel.

“It was designed this way on purpose because we want to immunize as many children as possible before the holidays,” Pino said. “We would like to see at least 50% of the students protected when they return in January. “

As the county rolls out those plans, Mayor Jerry Demings has yet to declare a victory over COVID-19, something he has said comes when we hit zero transmission.

Demings reported that the total number of COVID-19 cases in the county reached 233,010 cases and the 14-day rolling positivity rate remains low at 3.15%. There have also been 52 new deaths since the last briefing where he announced the the county’s state of emergency was to expire.

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For more information on the upcoming vaccine rollout for children aged 5 to 11, visit the Orange County Public School website.