- April 18, 2024
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Approximately 40,000 Flagler County residents have received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine, and 74% of residents who are 65 and older have been vaccinated, Florida Department of Health-Flagler medical experts said on Flagler Broadcasting's "Free For All Friday" radio program April 2.
The Health Department hopes to vaccinate 70% to 80% of the community to achieve herd immunity — the vaccination level that will keep the virus from being able to increase its numbers.
"At the herd immunity threshold, it means the virus can circulate, but it just kind of smolders along," said Dr. Stephen Bickel, medical director for the Florida Department of Health-Flagler.
"We are on our way to our goal," FDOH-Flagler Health Officer Bob Snyder said.
There are about 90,000 people over age 18 in Flagler County — so about 50,000 left to vaccinate, Snyder said.
"There will be a percentage that will say no, or they've got that wait-and-see attitude, but I just have high hopes that through ... a good public relations campaign, we are going to reach that 80% goal," Snyder said.
The Florida Department of Health in Flagler County is vaccinating people at area church locations in Flagler County as well as at the county fairgrounds in Bunnell.
Meanwhile, Snyder said, clinical trial data released this week showed that the Pfizer vaccine is effective in adolescents, and the U.S. has approved the manufacturing of a rapid test that can be used at home.
