Keeping You Safe – COVID-19 Update

Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 Vaccine Authorized by U.S. FDA For Emergency Use – The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for Johnson & Johnson’s single-dose COVID-19 vaccine, making it the third available COVID-19 vaccine to Americans. The FDA said J&J’s vaccine offers strong protection against what matters most: serious illness, hospitalizations and death. One dose was 85% protective against the most severe COVID-19 illness, in a massive study that spanned three continents — protection that remained strong even in countries such as South Africa, where the variants of most concern are spreading. J&J plans to deliver 100 million vaccines to the U.S. during the first half of 2021, and the federal government will manage the allocation and distribution. More details here.

DeSantis Allows COVID-19 Vaccines for Teachers, Police and Firefighters Age 50 and Older –

Gov. Ron DeSantis signed an executive order Monday, March 1 that opens up COVID-19 vaccination in Florida for K-12 teachers, law enforcement officers and firefighters age 50 and older. He also said the state expects about 175,000 doses of the one-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine that could be delivered this week, an allotment would be enough to cover all of the 50-and-older teachers, law enforcement and firefighters in the state. More details here.

Due to limited supplies, the vaccine is not currently available to the public at any AdventHealth hospitals, AdventHealth Centra Care locations or AdventHealth Medical Group practices. Members of the public who wish to be notified when additional community vaccines become available from AdventHealth can register for alerts at www.CoronavirusVaccineAlerts.com.

Comparing the Three COVID-19 Vaccines Available in the U.S. – STAT recently published an updated head-to-head comparison of the vaccines developed by Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson. Because of the difference in the trials, making direct comparisons is a bit like comparing apples and oranges. Additionally, Pfizer and Moderna’s vaccines were tested before the emergence of troubling new variants in Britain, South Africa, and Brazil. It’s not entirely clear how well they will work against these mutated viruses. More details here.

Empathy is Key to Addressing Minorities’ Vaccine Mistrust – In the Orlando Sentinel, Dr. Alric Simmonds, chief health equity officer, chief medical officer and general surgeon at AdventHealth, addresses vaccine hesitancy within minorities. Since the emergence of the novel coronavirus, more than 28 million Americans have been infected with the virus. But communities of color have experienced some of the harshest impacts of the pandemic and have been hospitalized and died at rates higher than their white counterparts. Vaccines are our single most powerful weapon in the fight against COVID-19. However, reports and polls show widespread hesitancy to vaccines, especially among those in minority and underserved communities that have been hit hardest by COVID-19. The vaccines are safe and Dr. Simmonds encourages everyone to get their COVID-19 vaccination when they have the opportunity.

Keeping You Informed

AdventHealth, Del Webb Announce Innovative Wellness Partnership for Residents of Lake Nona-Area Community – AdventHealth and Del Webb Sunbridge have partnered to bring health and wellness services to residents of the 55+ resort-style community near Lake Nona. Through this first-of-its-kind partnership in Central Florida, AdventHealth will offer fitness training, wellness classes and spa services to over 100 residents, as well as access to a wellness ambassador, exclusive to the community. Click here for more.

Important Resources

We encourage you to use the following resources for your top COVID-19 questions and concerns:

  • Coronavirus Vaccine Alerts – Those who wish to be notified when additional vaccines might be available can register for alerts at www.CoronavirusVaccineAlerts.com.
  • Coronavirus Vaccine Resource Hub – AdventHealth launched a Coronavirus Vaccine Resource Hub and includes everything from FAQs, latest news and information on the AdventHealth vaccine team and our scientific committee. Visit www.CoronavirusVaccineFacts.com to learn more about the vaccine.
  • School Resource Hub – AdventHealth is prepared to support schools, daycares, parents, and caregivers as we navigate this new normal. SchoolResourceHub.com is a website dedicated to providing helpful resources for back to school concerns and important information regarding COVID-19.
  • AdventHealth Safe Business Program – AdventHealth is here to help as a trusted health care provider committed to safely care for Central Florida. We are working with local businesses to help them safeguard their employees and customers and continue to minimize the spread of COVID-19. Helpful tips can be found at AdventHealthCFLSafeBusiness.com.  
  • If you have questions about COVID-19 or wonder if you should be tested, call the free AdventHealth Coronavirus Information Line at 877-VIRUS-HQ (877-847-8747). You can also find information at www.CoronaVirusSignsAndSymptoms.com.
  • Donation Hub – For ways you can help, including sending notes of encouragement to our caregivers, as well as virtual volunteering opportunities, please click here.
  • Mental Health – If you, your family, or colleagues, are in need of emotional help during this uncertain time, the Heart of Florida United Way 211 Information and Referral Crisis Line is connecting residents with information about available resources in the Central Florida community. Whether it’s finding out the location of the nearest food pantry or seeking information related to the virus, 211 Call Specialists are there to help.
  • Virtual Visit Options – AdventHealth Virtual Visits are available now for primary care, pediatrics and specialty care, as well as physical therapy. In the comfort of your home, you can speak with a medical provider by a video visit or phone call.
  • Health Coverage Support – If you or someone you know has recently lost their health insurance due to the COVID-19 crisis, free help is available from certified navigators through the Primary Care Access Network at CoveringCFL.net.
  • Convalescent Plasma Need – AdventHealth is actively recruiting potential plasma donors and currently has supplies to meet all treatment requests. Convalescent plasma is one of the important resources our physicians are using to help COVID-19 patients recover. Please visit OneBlood’s website and donate plasma if you qualify.