Although Disney World is currently open, there are still several health and safety precautions on property due to the global health pandemic.
A couple weeks ago, the first batch of coronavirus vaccines arrived in Florida, and we have continued to look out for updates regarding the vaccine. The FDA recently authorized the Moderna vaccine after the Pfizer vaccine, so we’re giving you the latest update on the vaccine in Florida’s Orange County.
During a conference with Mayor Demings (the mayor of Orange County), we got some more information about the vaccine and how to get it if you live in the area. The first point the mayor brought up is that vaccinations for Orange County residents 65 years of age and over will start tomorrow, December 29th.
In order to receive the vaccine, an appointment is necessary. Mayor Dyer, the mayor of Orlando, also spoke at the conference and said “it will be several months until all of our residents have access,” and stressed that citizens should continue to take precautions. The Orange County Convention Center is working with the Orange County Health Department and will be open between 8AM-9PM starting tomorrow (save for Thursday — New Year’s Eve — when the location will be open from 8AM – 12 Noon). This site will be closed from January 1st-3rd for the holidays and will reopen on January 4th at 8AM.
Orange County plans to vaccinate 1,500 county residents per day at that site. If you live in Orange County and 65 years or older, you can register to get the vaccine here. Dr. Pino, Director of Florida Department of Health in Orange County, urged people to continue to wear masks even if they have been vaccinated.
Nearly 12,000 people who work in Emergency Medical Services in Orange County have already received the vaccine, and both Mayor Demings and Mayor Dyer got the vaccine right after the conference. If you need any more information about the vaccine, you can visit the Orange County vaccine page on their official website. We will continue to look out for the latest news about the coronavirus vaccine.
Melanie O says
Any idea what Disney’s response may be for those who have received the vaccine and will be considered immune in the near future? As soon as the research comes out that vaccinated individuals are immune, will masks be required in the parks for these individuals? Will they need to provide proof to Disney? I am a nurse and I was vaccinated today!
DFB Sarah says
Melanie, thank you for your service as a nurse. We’ll have to wait and see what Disney does about this. Hopefully they’ll issue a clear statement on this at some point.