COVID-19 Vaccinations Winding Down At Volusia County Fairgrounds

DeLand, FL – COVID-19 vaccine operations are winding down with the last day for first dose vaccines this coming Friday, April 30. Second dose vaccines will be provided as scheduled through Friday, May 28. More than 74,000 vaccinations have been given at the site since January. “When vaccine efforts started in January, the partnership between the county and Department of Health to provide vaccines at the fairgrounds was a vital step in ensuring our residents had the ability to receive a COVID-19 vaccine as quickly and efficiently as possible,” said Volusia County Public Protection Director Joe Pozzo. “I’m encouraged that vaccine supply is now meeting demand and that vaccines are available at many locations throughout the county. In discussing with both the state and local Florida Department of Health, we’ve determined it’s the appropriate time to transition efforts from a mass vaccine site to more community-focused operations.” There are still a number of places you can get the COVID-19 vaccine. The Florida Department of Health in Volusia County is doing so at all four office locations, as well as at pop-up sites throughout the county. Vaccines are available at 421 S. Keech St., Daytona Beach; 1845 Holsonback Drive, Daytona Beach; 717 W. Canal St., New Smyrna Beach; and 775 Harley Strickland Blvd., Orange City. For more information and to schedule an appointment, call 386-274-0500. Pop-up vaccine events will take place throughout the county. The Department of Health in Volusia County and Volusia County Public Protection will work together on these micro-missions focusing on ensuring vaccine access to underserved residents who might otherwise not have immediate access to current vaccine sites. For more information on these efforts call 386-274-0500. “Continuing to provide COVID-19 vaccines to our residents through both our local offices and community events is an essential service,” said Department of Health in Volusia County Administrator Patricia Boswell. “While we’re on the right track with vaccinations, there’s still work to be done for life to return to normal. If you want a vaccine, there is a vaccine for you. If you’re experiencing barriers preventing you from traveling to the health department, call us and our team will work to ensure you receive a COVID-19 vaccine.” For a list of vaccine locations in Volusia County, access the Florida Department of Health vaccine locator at https://floridahealthcovid19.gov/vaccines. The state-run COVID-19 testing site in New Smyrna Beach will close on April 30. The free testing site, which operated at the Volusia County Fairgrounds for several months before moving to New Smyrna Beach, has provided over 138,725 rapid tests and 27,226 PCR tests, as well as 3,286 antibody tests. PCR testing is still available on Mondays and Thursdays at the Health Department, 1845 Holsonback Drive, Daytona Beach, for symptomatic individuals and those who have been exposed to COVID-19.