UF Health and the Florida Department of Health in Alachua County are joining forces for a virtual COVID-19 vaccine town hall on Thursday.
The announcement comes three weeks after all adults in Florida became eligible to receive a vaccine. The event appears aimed at overcoming vaccine hesitancy, as a significant minority of Americans continue to indicate to pollsters that they will not get the vaccine.
“UF Health and the Florida Department of Health in Alachua County continue to work together to meet the demands for vaccinations in our area,” a press release said. “Part of that effort includes helping families get the information they need to create a vaccination plan and feel confident in reconnecting with loved ones.”
The town hall-style Q&A will include three panelists: Dr. Michael Lauzardo, assistant director of the UF Emerging Pathogens Institute and director of UF Health Screen, Test & Protect; Dr. Kathleen Ryan, associate division chief for pediatric infectious diseases at UF Health; and Paul Myers, administrator of the Florida Department of Health in Alachua County.
The planned topics include discussion of how vaccines work, who should get one, benefits and potential side effects, according to the UF Health press release. Panelists will also talk about how long a vaccine may protect people from the coronavirus.
The free virtual event begins at 6 p.m. Thursday, April 29.
Registration is available online. Participants can submit questions when they register or during the event.