The COVID-19 Vaccine is currently UNAVAILABLE at Florida pharmacies
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved updated COVID vaccines (2025-2026) for use in adults ages 65 years and older, as well as in individuals ages 5 through 64 years with at least one underlying condition that puts them at high risk for severe outcomes from COVID-19.
In order for pharmacies in Florida to administer the COVID vaccine an official recommendation must be made by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in the form of the updated booster doses being added to the adult immunization schedule.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) met on Friday, September 19th and unanimously recommended that vaccination for COVID-19 be determined by individual decision-making. ACIP’s recommendation applies to all individuals six months and older. It includes an emphasis that the risk-benefit of vaccination in individuals under age 65 is most favorable for those who are at an increased risk for severe COVID-19 and lowest for individuals who are not at an increased risk, according to the CDC list of COVID-19 risk factors.
Recommendations from ACIP become official policy once adopted by the CDC director, which has not yet happened at this time. As soon as the CDC adds the updated booster shots to the adult immunization schedule we will update our website and Facebook pages to let patients know about availability of the vaccine.
HAWTHORNE AT LEESBURG
FLU & COVID BOOSTER CLINIC
We will be coming to Hawthorne on Tuesday, October 7th and Tuesday, October 21st. Preregistration is required. PLEASE NOTE- THE ABILITY TO ADMINISTER COVID VACCINES AT FLORIDA PHARMACIES IS STILL PENDING CDC APPROVAL.
Pfizer and moderna vaccines
How do mRNA vaccines work?
Conventional vaccines like influenza, shingles, and pneumonia vaccines usually contain either an inactivated portion of a virus, a live viral vector, a protein subunit, or a virus-like particle. These are all considered antigens, which are recognized by the body as an infectious agent. By doing so, these vaccines stimulate the body’s immune system to fight the infectious agent and be ready to provide a more rapid response if exposed to it again in the future.
Unlike normal vaccines, an mRNA vaccine works by using your body’s existing machinery: the cell’s processes of making DNA, RNA, and eventually proteins! Rather than injecting a protein into the body, the vaccine inserts a messenger RNA (mRNA) sequence (the genetic sequence that contains directions for what molecules to build) which is coded to produce only a fragment of the disease-specific antigen for the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
Once produced within the body, the antigen will be recognized by your immune system, preparing it to fight the real virus if it is exposed to it in the future, without causing the actual disease. The body does this by making their own proteins, called antibodies, that can neutralize the antigen and the real virus if you ever get infected. Your body will also make memory cells that can produce antibodies at a much faster rate during future exposures.
Each person will require two doses of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine. Two doses allows your body the chance to produce more immune-system barriers against the virus.
Need COVID TESTING?
COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Testing
We have rapid antigen testing available with results in 15 minutes. No appointments necessary. $100
