By Katrina Elsken
Lake Okeechobee News
OKEECHOBEE -- Those with appointments for COVID-19 vaccinations at the Florida Department of Health (DOH) in Okeechobee County are asked to arrive no more than 15 minutes before their appointment time.
At the Jan. 28 meeting of the Okeechobee County Commissioners, Tiffany Collins of DOH said people arriving too early are creating problems at the health department, which is trying to keep everyone safe with apppropriate social distancing. There is no reason to arrive so early. The health department is trying to limit the number of people in the building or in front of the building. If you have an appointment, a dose of the vaccine has been reserved for you, she advised.
On Jan. 28, the Okeechobee County website stated: "If you have an appointment scheduled for the COVID-19 vaccine please arrive ONLY 15 minutes before your appointment. Appointments arriving more than 15 minutes before their appointment time will be asked to leave or wait in their vehicles.
"If you have an appointment scheduled, a vaccine dose has been reserved for you at your allotted time.
"If you have already received your first dose, the Okeechobee Department of Health will contact you to schedule your second dose. Please wait for their call to schedule your appointment for your second dose.
"Okeechobee County continues to work closely with Department of Health officials to offer any support and resources necessary to ensure the community needs can be met. All questions regarding the appointment process should be directed to the Okeechobee Department of Health at 863-462-5800."
