FORT WALTON BEACH, Fla.— Florida Department of Health in Okaloosa County (DOH-Okaloosa) reminds residents to return for their second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine who received first doses by DOH-Okaloosa April 12, April 14 and April 17. Everyone who received a first dose is eligible to receive the second dose.

Persons receiving their second doses will not need to register for their second appointment. Individuals should return at the same time and location of their first dose on the date provided on their COVID-19 Vaccination Record card.

Individuals will need to complete another consent form to receive their second dose. The form is available on our website. For those that cannot access the forms in advance, a paper copy will be provided at your appointment time.

Please return on May 3 at DOH-Okaloosa (first vaccine received on April 12), May 5 at Niceville High School (first vaccine received on April 14) and May 8 at DOH-Okaloosa (first vaccine received on April 17).

These vaccination events are not open for first dose or unscheduled appointments.

The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine shows effectiveness of nearly 95% protection from COVID-19 illness. It is very important to receive the second dose in order to receive this extraordinary level of protection. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported in late March 2021 that the Pfizer vaccine is also 90% effective at preventing ALL COVID-19 infections, both symptomatic (infected and ill) and asymptomatic (infected but not ill). Vaccines are an important tool to help end the pandemic. Protect yourself and your loved ones by receiving both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine to achieve full protection.

Many people are concerned about side effects being more severe with the second dose. Most people will probably experience something like what you feel right before you come down with a cold. If symptoms develop, these usually occur within 24-30 hours after receiving the second dose and generally last hours to a couple of days. Most symptoms can be managed with ibuprofen or acetaminophen and rest. Worldwide, serious reactions are very rare.

It takes time for your body to build protection after any vaccination. You are considered fully vaccinated two weeks after your second dose. Please visit the CDC to find out what things you can start to do when you are fully vaccinated that you had to stop doing because of the pandemic.

Even when fully vaccinated, it remains very important to continue the personal protection measures of face masking, social distancing, washing your hands, and avoiding close contact in public settings with other people.

Drive-Thru Clinic Instructions

Individuals should bring their COVID-19 Vaccination Record card they received after their first dose.  

All individuals being vaccinated must show a valid government-issued ID at the vaccination site. This can include a passport, driver’s license or military identification card.

Please arrive on-time. Individuals arriving early can cause delays and longer lines.

The vaccination clinic will be drive-thru only, and all individuals will remain in their vehicle for the duration of the clinic. Individuals receiving the vaccine are asked to wear short-sleeve shirts and remove any jackets/coats when arriving. Please also wear a mask.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises individuals to be monitored for at least 15 minutes after receiving the vaccine. Individuals will be directed to a waiting area to park and should plan accordingly.  

More information on COVID-19

To find the most up-to-date information and guidance on COVID-19, please visit the Department of Health’s dedicated COVID-19 webpage. For information and advisories from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), please visit the CDC COVID-19 website, this website is also available in Spanish and Creole. For more information about current travel advisories issued by the U.S. Department of State, please visit the travel advisory website.

For any other questions related to COVID-19 in Florida, please contact the Department’s dedicated COVID-19 Call Center by calling 1-866-779-6121. The Call Center is available 24 hours per day. Inquiries may also be emailed to COVID-19@flhealth.gov.

About the Florida Department of Health

The department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at @HealthyFla. For more information about the Florida Department of Health, please visit www.FloridaHealth.gov .

###