OKEECHOBEE  --  Those age 18 and up who wish to have their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccination can head to the Okeechobee Agri-Civic Center, use the  entrance on State Road 710, today (March 30). About 450 doses are available for those without appointments.

The vaccine is available for first doses only. Those who need the second dose will  receive a call from the Okeechobee County health department to schedule an appointment.

As happened last week, once again the state appointment system only made appointments for a fraction of the Modern vaccine first doses available today. 

The vaccine will be given on a "first come, first served" basis for those without appointments. Those with appointments may still come at their appointment time. The vaccination pod will be open until 3 p.m. or until all vaccine doses are used.

Paperwork will be available at the site. Those who wish to be vaccinated need to bring proof of Florida residency such as a Florida Driver's License or Florida Identification Card issued by the Florida Driver's License Office.

If you do not have a Florida Driver's License or ID, you can proof residency by bringing two of the following documents:

• A deed, mortgage, monthly mortgage statement, mortgage payment booklet or residential rental or lease agreement. (Copies of deeds can be found on the County Property Appraiser website)
• A utility bill or utility connection/work order that is not more than 2 months old.
• Mail from a bank or other financial institution, including checking, savings, or investment account statements, that is not more than 2 months old.
• Mail from a government agency that is not more than 2 months old. (Mail from a government agency can include tax bills showing a Florida address.  Tax bills can be found on the County Property Appraiser website).