LEE COUNTY, Fla. — Staff updated the Lee Board of County Commissioners today about the COVID-19 vaccination rollout and the county’s role to serve as a support mechanism to the state.
At a regularly scheduled meeting, staff presented the most up-to-date information available to commissioners, who as a county board have no decision-making authority related to who or which entities receive the long-anticipated vaccination first.
Gov. Ron DeSantis’ administration is anticipated to work through the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) and the Florida Department of Health (FDOH) on a phased-in approach.
A link to the governor’s Draft COVID-19 Vaccination Plan is available at https://floridahealthcovid19.gov/. Vaccinations will not be available to the general public until initial phases are complete.
Commissioners are committed to providing residents information and resources from federal, state and partner agencies when available. The county has created a landing page at www.leegov.com/vaccine.
Key points made at the Board meeting include:
Christine Brady, Assistant County Manager:
· Federal guidance has been provided regarding vaccination distribution, but final distribution decisions will be made in the Governor’s Office.
· The state has a vaccination plan and efforts will be led by FDEM and FDOH.
· Lee County’s role is to support those state operations.
· The county’s goal is to provide information as we receive it.
Ben Abes, Director, Lee County Public Safety – Emergency Medical Services:
· The state’s first priority will be residents in long-term care facilities and frontline hospital workers.
· Next, the vaccine will be made available to first responders and older adults with higher-risk medical conditions.
· As supply becomes widely available, the vaccine will be available through healthcare providers to the general public.
Lee Mayfield, Director, Lee County Public Safety – Emergency Management
· Lee County is in a supporting role to the state Division of Emergency Management and state Department of Health.
· Lee County Public Safety is coordinating with these lead agencies daily.
· Vaccine information is fluid and may change based on state guidance.