The Florida Department of Health in Osceola County (DOH-Osceola) is hosting an event to educate and celebrate the many programs and services provided to the community. Community members are invited to the Spring into Wellness Community Health Fair, a community event on April 11 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at UF Extension Services, 1921 Kissimmee Valley Lane in Kissimmee. This event offers many opportunities to see how public health supports a safer, healthier community while enjoying family friendly activities, food, music, and prizes.

With 40 vendors, including DOH‑Osceola programs and departments, visitors can explore the many ways public health touches everyday life.

Families with young children can connect with the WIC program to learn about nutrition education and breastfeeding support. In addition, those interested in safe-sleep practices can stop by the Healthy Start table, and to learn about water safety and preventing unintentional drownings, they can visit the health promotion area.

Adults can take advantage of free health screenings, including blood pressure checks and A1C testing, and learn why understanding their personal health numbers is a powerful step toward long‑term wellness.

Food demonstrations will also be available to help attendees explore healthy, affordable meals. During these sessions, participants can watch simple recipes being prepared, learn practical cooking tips, and discover new ways to incorporate nutritious foods into their daily routines.

Emergency preparedness experts will be on site to share hurricane readiness tips, explain how to build an emergency plan, and walk community members through the purpose of special needs shelters and how to preregister before storms arrive.

The environmental public health and epidemiology teams will share information on local water‑quality monitoring and offer guidance on preventing the spread of diseases such as rabies and mosquito‑borne illnesses. Visitors can also take part in an interactive spin-the-wheel game featuring a variety of health topics, making learning both fun and engaging.

The Spring into Wellness Community Health Fair brings these resources together and much more in one welcoming space. Residents are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to ask questions, meet experts, and discover tools that support healthy living for the whole family. It’s a celebration of connection, learning, and the resilience of the public health professionals who serve Florida with expertise and heart.

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Health officials are urging residents and visitors to use caution around the lake and avoid any contact with water where algae blooms are visible.

Blue-green algae, also known as cyanobacteria, are common in Florida’s freshwater environments. When conditions such as warm temperatures, calm water, sunlight, and excess nutrients occur, the bacteria can rapidly multiply and create blooms that discolor the water and sometimes form floating mats with unpleasant odors.

The Department of Health advises the public not to drink, swim, wade, or use personal watercraft in water where algae blooms are present, and to keep pets and livestock away from affected areas. If contact with algae-contaminated water occurs, skin and clothing should be washed with soap and clean water.

Officials also warn not to cook or wash dishes with contaminated water, as boiling the water does not remove the toxins. Eating fillets from healthy fish caught in freshwater lakes experiencing blooms is considered safe if the fish are properly cleaned and thoroughly cooked, but shellfish from affected waters should not be consumed.

Blue-green algae can produce toxins that may pose health risks to people, pets, and wildlife, particularly for children, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems.

Residents who see a suspected algae bloom can report it to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection at 1-855-305-3903. Anyone experiencing symptoms after exposure should contact the Florida Poison Information Center at 800-222-1222.

For additional information about blue-green algae or related health concerns, residents can contact the Florida Department of Health in Osceola County at 407-742-8600.

Alerta de Salud por Algas Azul-Verde en el Lago Marian

CONDADO DE OSCEOLA, Florida — El Departamento de Salud de Florida en el Condado de Osceola emitió una alerta de salud después de detectar toxinas de algas azul-verde en el Lago Marian, cerca del área del pabellón, tras una muestra de agua tomada el 2 de marzo.

Las autoridades de salud recomiendan a residentes y visitantes que tengan precaución alrededor del lago y eviten cualquier contacto con el agua donde haya floraciones visibles.

Las algas azul-verdosas, conocidas como cianobacterias, son comunes en los ambientes de agua dulce de Florida. Cuando se combinan factores como temperaturas cálidas, agua tranquila, luz solar y exceso de nutrientes, estas bacterias pueden crecer rápidamente y formar floraciones que decoloran el agua y a veces producen capas flotantes con olores desagradables.

El Departamento de Salud aconseja no beber, nadar, caminar ni usar vehículos acuáticos en áreas donde haya floraciones visibles y mantener a las mascotas y al ganado alejados del agua afectada. Si se produce contacto con el agua contaminada, se recomienda lavar la piel y la ropa con agua y jabón.

También se advierte no cocinar ni lavar utensilios con agua contaminada, ya que hervir el agua no elimina las toxinas. Comer filetes de peces sanos capturados en lagos de agua dulce con floraciones es seguro si se limpian bien y se cocinan completamente, pero no se deben consumir mariscos provenientes de aguas afectadas.

Las algas azul-verdosas pueden producir toxinas que representan riesgos para la salud de personas, mascotas y vida silvestre, especialmente para niños, adultos mayores y personas con sistemas inmunológicos comprometidos.

Los residentes que observen una floración de algas pueden reportarla al Departamento de Protección Ambiental de Florida llamando al 1-855-305-3903. Las personas que presenten síntomas tras la exposición pueden comunicarse con el Centro de Información Tóxica de Florida al 800-222-1222.

Para más información, los residentes pueden comunicarse con el Departamento de Salud de Florida en el Condado de Osceola al 407-742-8600.

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According to Abbott, “These products are being recalled because a small percentage of bottles (less than 1%) in the recalled lots have bottle caps that may not have sealed completely, which could result in spoilage.”

The brands included in this recall are:

• Similac® Pro-Total Comfort®
• Similac® 360 Total Care®
• • Similac® 360 Total Care® Sensitive
• Similac® Special Care® 24
• Similac® Stage 1
• Similac® Water (Sterilized)
• Similac® NeoSure®

The Department has notified current WIC participants who may have been issued a recalled product to provide them with alternative options./li>

In addition to these formula products, the following product has also been recalled:

• Pedialyte® Electrolyte Solution

According to Abbott, this recall should not impact overall formula supply. Floridians who use these products should visit Abbott’s website to view a list of impacted products or use the lot number checker online. It is important to verify the lot number on the bottom or the side of the bottle, as not all products are included in the recall. If your product is included in the recall, immediately discontinue use of the product and contact Abbott customer service at 1-800-986-8540 for further instructions.

For all feeding-related questions or concerns about your child’s health, contact a health care professional or the Florida Department of Health in Osceola County’s WIC office at 407-343-2085.

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Today, Monday, October 3, 2022, the following FDOH-Osceola offices are open:

• Main Campus, 1875 Fortune Road, Kissimmee
• WIC Office, 1050 Grape Avenue, St. Cloud
• WIC Office, 105 N. Doverplum Avenue, Poinciana
• Environmental Health, 1 Courthouse Square #1200, Kissimmee

For additional information on office hours, please call the health department’s main number at 407-343-2000.

Since Tuesday, September 27, 2022, FDOH-Osceola has supported Osceola County Government’s response to Hurricane Ian with a Special Needs Shelter that has assisted our community’s most vulnerable residents. FDOH-Osceola continues to coordinate with the Osceola County Office of Emergency Management on resource requests in response to the storm.

For information on Osceola County post-hurricane resources, visit the Osceola County Office of Emergency Management’s Hurricane Center.

The Florida Department of Health in Osceola County’s mission is to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county, and community efforts.

For more info visit http://osceola.floridahealth.gov/

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To help raise awareness about the importance of HIV testing and getting an early diagnosis, the Florida Department of Health in Osceola County (FDOH-Osceola) will host a free HIV testing event at our main campus in Kissimmee.

In addition, the health department will partner with local community organizations to provide free testing at their locations.

Planned testing events are as follows:

• Monday, June 27, 2022, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Let’s Be Different, 2326 Fortune Road in Kissimmee.
• Tuesday, June 28, 2022, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the LGBT+ Center Kissimmee, 21 W Monument Avenue in Kissimmee.
• Wednesday, June 29, 2022, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Florida Department of Health in Osceola County, 1875 Fortune Road in Kissimmee.

Approximately 1.1 million people in the United States are living with HIV today, but not all of them know it. Those who are unaware of their HIV status are not getting the care and treatment that can preserve their health and protect their partners from becoming infected.

“Recent data provided by the CDC show that over the past several years, approximately one quarter of individuals do not know their HIV status,” said Dr. Radu Clincea, Infectious Disease Specialist and Medical Director at the Florida Department of Health in Osceola County. “The earlier an HIV diagnosis is made through testing, the earlier an individual can be placed on the appropriate therapy. This greatly benefits the health of the individual and reduces the potential for the spread of HIV in our community.”

Free Meningococcal and hepatitis A vaccines will also be available at the HIV testing events. Join the Florida Department of Health in Osceola County as we work to fight against HIV. Get tested. Know your status. About the Florida Department of Health in Osceola County The Florida Department of Health in Osceola County’s mission is to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county, and community efforts. Follow us on http://osceola.floridahealth.gov/

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“I think the demand has been relatively modest certainly much more modest than it was at the end of December when we were doing the 65 And plus,” Desantis shared during the news conference. “So we think that this makes sense and I think we’ll see how it goes next week, but I think we will definitely be opening it up to everybody, certainly before May 1 and, and maybe much sooner than that, so stay tuned there.”

That announcement was made not long after Orlando Jerry Mayor Demmings announced that anyone 40 and older will be able to receive a vaccine at the Orange County Convention Center.

According to the governor Florida is expected to receive an additional 42,000 doses of the Johnson and Johnson single-dose vaccine next week.

It is expected that Florida will receive 286,650 more doses of the Pfizer vaccine and 208,000 doses of Moderna, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The governor also stressed his plans to expand Florida’s vaccination efforts with retail pharmacies in the coming weeks.

Those interested in scheduling a first dose vaccination at the county site, located at Centro Cristiano Dios De Pactos Church, 1130 Simmons Road, Kissimmee, should pre-register at https://myvaccine.fl.gov or call 866-201-6507. Residents will be contacted by our vendor to schedule their first dose appointment. Health Department staff will schedule the second dose appointment.

A limited amount of COVID-19 vaccinations will be available at select Walmart and Publix pharmacies in Osceola County. Vaccinations for eligible residents* must be scheduled directly with these businesses via their retail website. (Please note that there is tremendous demand for the vaccine and a limited supply.)

To schedule, a vaccination with Publix, visit: https://www.publix.com/covid-vaccine/florida

Current locations:
Publix – 29 Blake Blvd., Celebration
Publix – 3221 Vineland Rd., Kissimmee
Publix – 3372 Canoe Creek Rd., St. Cloud
Publix – 4401 13 Street, St. Cloud
Publix – 3040 Dyer Blvd., Kissimmee
Publix – 3343 South Orange Blossom Trail, Kissimmee
Publix – 841 Cypress Parkway, Poinciana
Publix – 1910 N. John Young Parkway, Kissimmee
Publix – 1951 South Narcoossee Rd., St. Cloud
Publix – 3839 Pleasant Hill Rd., Kissimmee
Publix – 2338 E. Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy., Kissimmee
Publix – 2625 Simpson Rd., Kissimmee

To schedule, a vaccination with Walmart, visit: www.walmart.com/COVIDvaccine

Current locations:
Walmart – 1471 E. Osceola Parkway, Kissimmee
Walmart – 904 Cypress Parkway, Kissimmee (Poinciana)

Osceola County’s Office of Emergency Management is working together with the Florida Department of Health on a distribution plan for the COVID-19 vaccine. Due to limited supplies, the vaccine will first be available to select groups, including healthcare workers and those in long-term care facilities, before wider community distribution. Updates regarding vaccine availability in Osceola County will be shared here.

Please register with Alert Osceola to ensure you receive important updates as the vaccine becomes more available to our community.

Night Lite Pediatrics Urgent Care will begin providing COVID-19 vaccinations at their office located at 1267 W Osceola Pkwy, Kissimmee. on Tuesday, March 23, 2021.

Vaccinations will be offered by appointment only Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Appointments can be made at https://www.nightlitepediatrics.com or by calling 407-569-0220.

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Those without computer access may call 866-201-6507 (or 833-476-1516 for TTY users) to pre-register.

• The following populations of Florida Residents are currently eligible to schedule an appointment to receive the vaccine:
• Individuals 65 years of age and older
• Long-term care facility residents and staff
• Healthcare personnel with direct patient contact
• Individuals deemed to be extremely vulnerable to COVID-19 by hospital providers

Residents that do not meet the criteria listed above may sign up to receive email updates to learn when they may be eligible for the vaccine.

The State-supported vaccine location currently available in Osceola County is Centro Cristiano Dios De Pactos Church located at 1130 Simmons Road, Kissimmee, FL 34744.

Appointments are required for these events. To minimize traffic congestion and wait times, those with appointments should arrive at their scheduled time. Those arriving early will not be allowed to proceed through the line.

The attached FAQs address some common questions related to the system. Updates on vaccine availability and scheduling are available at http://osceola.floridahealth.gov and on Osceola County’s website at https://osceola.org/covid19vaccinations.

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Although the FDOH-Osceola encouraged residents to get vaccinated since October, it is still not too late to get your flu shot. This is even more critical this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. For a complete list of COVID-19 testing events and locations in Osceola County, visit www.osceola.org/covid19testing.

The post Florida Department of Health in Osceola to provide free drive-thru flu shots Saturday Nov. 21 appeared first on Positively Osceola.

Appointments will not be required for this drive thru event and those looking to be tested are asked to wear a mask and bring a pen to complete necessary paperwork prior to the test.

“The turnout at Osceola Heritage Park (OHP) has indicated the demand for testing is extremely high right now. Expanding the event at OHP provides additional testing opportunities for the community.” said Vianca McCluskey, FDOH-Osceola Administrator.

Testing available at other  locations throughout Osceola County:

• Wednesdays, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Sunrise Pharmacy, 4543 Pleasant Hill Road, Suite B, Kissimmee.  Appointments are required and testing is available to those 18 years and older.  There are no symptom criteria for testing.  Please call 407-922-2594 the Tuesday before testing to schedule an appointment. 
• Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Prescriptions Unlimited, 2521 13th Street, Suite A, St. Cloud. Appointments are now required. Testing is available to those 18 years and older. There are no symptom criteria for testing. Call 689-210-2080 to schedule an appointment. 
• Testing available Mondays and Fridays by appointment only at the Florida Department of Health in Osceola County, 1875 Fortune Road, Kissimmee. Appointments are required and there are no symptom criteria for testing. Call 407-343-2000 to schedule. 
• Testing available Tuesdays at Osceola Community Health Services (Poinciana Location), 109 Doverplum Avenue. Poinciana residents with appointment only. Limited appointments available. Call 407-943-8600 to schedule an appointment. 
• Testing available Thursdays at Osceola Community Health Services (Kissimmee Location), 1501 Bill Beck Blvd. Osceola County residents with appointment only. Limited appointments available. Call 407-943-8600 to schedule an appointment.

Walmart Testing

Through a partnership with Walmart, Quest Diagnostics and Osceola County,  drive-through testing is available at the Walmart Supercenter at 3250 Vineland Rd. Kissimmee, FL 34746. The site is open, Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Testing will be no cost at this location, and is for adults who meet CDC and state and local guidelines on who should be tested, including first responders, health care providers and others with symptoms of COVID-19 and those in high risk groups without symptoms.

Appointments and further information can be found at MyQuestCovidTest.com.

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Osceola County added 184 new cases and a 26th death, a 60-year-old woman who passed away on June 25.

The percentage of cases requiring hospitalization in Osceola County and across the state dropped to 9 percent. Those numbers were at 20 percent a month ago.

There were 997 test reports returned yesterday in Osceola County, the second-highest day, with 15.2 percent returning positive. The overall positive test percentage in Osceola County, which dipped below 5 percent in late May, is now at 9 percent. Testing will begin again on Monday at Osceola Heritage Park beginning at 9 a.m.

Translation: there are more cases being discovered on a daily basis, but few of them require hospitalization. Continue practicing mitigation efforts: wear a mask when out and about, stay six feet apart, wash or sanitize hands often and keep your hands away from your face.

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