COVID Resources

COVID-19 Vaccination and the Flu Shot – Fall is the time to get vaccinated against influenza. 

That’s true whether you got the COVID-19 vaccine or didn’t. Flu season last year was nowhere near as bad as feared, in large part because people wore masks and stayed home, said Dr. Tim Hendrix, medical director for AdventHealth’s Centra Care, calling it the “flu season that wasn’t.” 2021 is expected to be different. “We’re going to see more flu, but it’s anybody’s guess how bad it will be,” Hendrix said. “I want to urge everybody to get the flu shot. Be as safe as possible.”

Keeping You Informed

AdventHealth Clinical Leaders Among Top 2 Percent of Scientist Worldwide – Last month’s Orlando Medical News magazine highlighted six leaders of the AdventHealth system who have been named among the top two percent of scientists worldwide. AdventHealth physicians and the scientific director of the AdventHealth Translational Research Institute were featured in a study by Stanford University among nearly 160K listed experts. Read the full profile here


Open Talk about Minority, Poor Health-Care Gap May Breed Solutions – 
Dr. Alric V. Simmonds, chief medical officer at AdventHealth Celebration and AdventHealth’s chief health equity officer, recently shared a commentary in the Orlando Sentinel about minority and poor health-care gap. COVID-19 has magnified health disparities among individuals and communities in our region, and we are witnessing the hard reality of how access to health care impacts our lives — for better or worse. What we need is a “truth narrative” in our communities: An openness and frankness with one another that involves conversations among families, neighbors, clergy and business leaders coming together to improve the health of our diverse communities. Read the full commentary here.

The North American Division has put together a series of links to offer guidance about vaccines from national and international health organizations, the General Conference, and healthcare experts. The COVID-19 vaccine is highlighted in particular. Also included here are practical articles, NAD statements, and more. To learn more click here 

Important Resources 

We encourage you to use the following resources for your top COVID-19 questions and concerns: 

  • COVID-19 Vaccines: Vaccines are readily available at multiple locations: visit Vaccines.gov or Centra Care

  • COVID-19 Testing: Rapid COVID testing is offered at all Centra Care locations. Only go to the emergency room if you are experiencing severe symptoms, such as difficulty breathing. Find a location near you and reserve your spot in line with this online booking tool

  • Coronavirus Vaccine Resource Hub – AdventHealth launched a Coronavirus Vaccine Resource Hub and includes everything from FAQs, latest news and information on the AdventHealth vaccine team and our scientific committee. Visit www.CoronavirusVaccineFacts.com to learn more about the vaccine. 

  • If you have questions about COVID-19 or wonder if you should be tested, call the free AdventHealth Coronavirus Information Line at 877-VIRUS-HQ (877-847-8747). You can also find information at www.CoronaVirusSignsAndSymptoms.com

  • Donation Hub – For ways you can help, including sending notes of encouragement to our caregivers, as well as virtual volunteering opportunities, please click here

  • Mental Health – If you, your family, or colleagues, are in need of emotional help during this uncertain time, the Heart of Florida United Way 211 Information and Referral Crisis Line is connecting residents with information about available resources in the Central Florida community. Whether it’s finding out the location of the nearest food pantry or seeking information related to the virus, 211 Call Specialists are there to help.

  • Virtual Visit Options – AdventHealth Virtual Visits are available now for primary care, pediatrics and specialty care, as well as physical therapy. In the comfort of your home, you can speak with a medical provider by a video visit or phone call.