COVID-19 Vaccines Winding Down at Fairgrounds

Written by Kristen Schmutz

Belden Communications News

COVID-19 activities at the Volusia County Fairgrounds are beginning to wind down after operating for over three months and providing more than 74,000 vaccines. The last day for first dose vaccines at the site will be Friday, April 30, and second dose vaccines will be provided as scheduled through Friday, May 28.

 “When vaccine efforts started in January, the partnership between the county and Department of Health to provide vaccines at the fairgrounds was a vital step in ensuring our residents had the ability to receive a COVID-19 vaccine as quickly and efficiently as possible,” said Volusia County Public Protection Director Joe Pozzo. “I’m encouraged that vaccine supply is now meeting demand and that vaccines are available at many locations throughout the county. In discussing with both the state and local Florida Department of Health, we’ve determined it’s the appropriate time to transition efforts from a mass vaccine site to more community-focused operations.”

According to a release, COVID-19 vaccines are being offered by the Florida Department of Health in Volusia County at all four office locations, as well as at pop-up sites throughout the county. 

Vaccines are available at 421 S. Keech St., Daytona Beach; 1845 Holsonback Drive, Daytona Beach; 717 W. Canal St., New Smyrna Beach; and 775 Harley Strickland Blvd., Orange City. For more information and to schedule an appointment, call 386-274-0500.

 The Department of Health in Volusia County and Volusia County Public Protection will continue to work together on pop-up vaccine events throughout the county. These micro-missions will ensure vaccine access to underserved residents who might otherwise not have immediate access to current vaccine sites. 

 “Continuing to provide COVID-19 vaccines to our residents through both our local offices and community events is an essential service,” said Department of Health in Volusia County Administrator Patricia Boswell. “While we’re on the right track with vaccinations, there’s still work to be done for life to return to normal. If you want a vaccine, there is a vaccine for you. If you’re experiencing barriers preventing you from traveling to the health department, call us and our team will work to ensure you receive a COVID-19 vaccine.”

The state-run COVID-19 testing site in New Smyrna Beach will also close on April 30. 

Currently, PCR testing is available on Mondays and Thursdays at the Health Department, 1845 Holsonback Drive, Daytona Beach, for symptomatic individuals and those exposed to COVID-19.

For a list of vaccine locations in Volusia County, access the Florida Department of Health vaccine locator at 

https://floridahealthcovid19.gov/vaccines

.