COVID-19 Vaccine

Coronavirus Disease 2019, commonly called COVID-19, is the name of the disease caused by the virus Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 also know as SARS-CoV-2.  The first case was reported in Wuhan, China in December 2019.  The virus is contagious and quickly spread around the world.  The World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic in March 2020.  To learn more about COVID-19, click here.

Vaccines are the best way to prevent the spread of COVID-19.  Several COVID-19 vaccinations are being developed.  Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are currently being distributed in the United States.  We will begin administering the vaccination once it becomes available to Celebration Family Physicians.

If most people receive the vaccination, the virus will stop spreading so quickly.  When enough people are immune from the disease either from receiving the vaccine or recovering from the disease, it provides indirect protection to those who are not immune to the disease. This is referred to as “herd immunity”.  Examples of diseases that were once common but now rare in the United States because of vaccines achieving herd immunity are measles, polio and chickenpox.  The pandemic will end when we achieve “herd immunity”. It would be almost impossible achieve this without a vaccine or allowing a lot of people to get infected (some getting seriously ill and/or dying).

After you receive the vaccine, it will still be important to practice social distancing, wearing a face mask in public and hand washing for now.  The vaccine is not 100% effective.

It is important to get the flu vaccine with the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.  The flu and coronavirus can cause similar symptoms.  Preventing the flu and reducing severity of symptoms can lessen the number of people needing to stay in the hospital.

Where can an individual included in Executive Order 20-315 receive a COVID-19 vaccine?

Please see the table below which contains designated general vaccine providers.  We will administer the vaccination once it becomes available to us.

Eligible Populations Able to Receive Vaccine Under Executive Order 20-315
Primary Vaccine Providers
Additional Vaccine Providers
Long-term care facility residents and staff
CVS and Walgreens
Florida Department of Health and Florida Department of Emergency Management
Persons 65 years of age and older
County health departments
Hospitals and other community health care providers, including a federally qualified health center (FQHC)
Health care personnel with direct patient contact
Hospitals and COVID-19 vaccine providers
County health departments and other community providers, including a FQHC
Hospital providers

Prevent the FLU from Happening to YOU

It’s more important than ever to get your flu vaccine this year.

 

Here’s why:

  • The flu shot is your best defense against the flu.
  • Prevents you from getting the flu, reduces the duration and severity of illness, and prevents complications.
  • Reduces the risk of flu- associated hospitalization.
  • Protects you, your love ones and the people around you.

 

To learn more about the flu, click here.

To view Celebration Family Physician Vaccination Schedule, click here.

Meet Our New Provider – Michelle!

Michelle De Marco, PA-C, is a board-certified physician assistant specializing in Family Medicine, with a strong background in clinical treatment of pediatric and adult patients. She received a bachelor’s degree in Biology with a minor in Finance from University of Central Florida. She completed her physician assistant training at Nova Southeastern University and graduated with a Master of Medical Science.  Michelle is fluent in English and Spanish. She has a passion for taking care of others and prides herself in delivering excellent care to her patients. In her leisure time, Michelle enjoys travel, good food, and frequenting the theme parks.

 

Please join me in welcoming Michelle to Celebration Family Physicians!