Broward County Commission Regular Meeting
Director's Name: Beam Furr
Department: County Commission
Information
Requested Action
title
MOTION TO DISCUSS distribution of COVID-19 vaccine in Broward County. (Commissioner Furr)
body
Why Action is Necessary
Provides for formal discussion of potential upcoming actions.
What Action Accomplishes
Enables the Board to discuss various elements of COVID-19 vaccine distribution.
Is this Action Goal Related
No
Previous Action Taken
Summary Explanation/Background
Broward County continues to face impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic, including a high positivity rate with a rolling average of 10.67% for the week ending 01/02/21. In addition to social distancing and mask enforcement, medical experts agree that the best way to combat the COVID-19 pandemic is the efficient and effective distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine. There are currently two approved COVID-19 vaccines (Moderna and Pfizer) which have been made available to Broward County hospitals. Florida’s vaccine plan is currently coordinated through the Florida Department of Health. The Broward County Department of Emergency Management is working directly with the Florida Department of Health to assist in vaccine distribution within Broward County.
On December 31st, the Broward County Office of Public Communications released the first Joint Information Center (JIC) Snapshot detailing elements of vaccine distribution within Broward County. These elements include a plan to vaccinate seniors 65 and over at three Broward County parks (Markham Park, Vista View Park, Tradewinds Park). Reservations can be made through the browardcovidvaccine.com portal, which has experienced technical difficulties at launch. There is also a public education plan in the works to educate residents on the vaccination process. Broward County will also be partnering with the state to vaccinate residents 65 and older in certain high-risk senior living communities.
Based on correspondence with municipal partners and constituents, there are several outstanding issues regarding the COVID-19 vaccine process. This includes the supply of the COVID-19 vaccine in Broward County; plans for additional distribution sites and times; future vaccination plans for targeted groups; technical issues relating to the portal; the extent of the communication plan; additional vaccination plans for homebound residents; and the role of municipalities in the vaccination process.
This agenda item would allow the County Commission to have a public discussion of these outstanding issues so that we may convey the most comprehensive information possible to the community.
Source of Additional Information
Clay Miller, District 6, 954-357-7006
Fiscal Impact
Fiscal Impact/Cost Summary
N/A