VACCINE REGISTRATION

Although the Florida Department of Health on Friday launched a new statewide preregistration system to schedule COVID-19 vaccine appointments, local officials say Escambia County residents should not sign up through the state hotline and website yet. The Pensacola News Journal is reporting that Escambia County Interim Public Safety Director Eric Gilmore said Escambia County won’t be ready for its residents to sign up through the state online phone system until at least the week after next. However, Registrations can also be made online at myvaccine.fl.gov. Only long-term care facility residents and staff, people 65 or older and health care personnel with direct patient contact are eligible to receive the vaccine.