February 15, 2021
COVID-19 VACCINE REGISTRATION
TEXT MESSAGE INFORMATION
The State Department of Health in Alachua County (DOH Alachua), along with the University of Florida and UF Health, are working hard to support the residents of Alachua County in the registration and scheduling process for the COVID-19 vaccine. Please note that the registration form and communications measures have been updated.

DOH Alachua will be sending text messages and emails to those currently registered with the following message: “This is DOH Alachua’s new appointment system. Your registration for a COVID-19 vaccine has been received. To ensure your record has the most accurate information visit (website link).”

It is important that we have an email address and mobile phone number to maximize the ways we can contact you to schedule vaccine appointments. To register, or to update your current registration, go to this site and follow the registration link.
Gainesville Soil Collection Ceremony
Alachua County invites the community to a Soil Collection Ceremony hosted by the Gainesville Subcommittee of the Alachua County Community Remembrance Project in partnership with the Equal Justice Initiative (EJI). The Ceremony is on Saturday, February 20, 2021, at noon at the Alachua County Administration Building (12 S.E. 1st Street, Gainesville). Due to COVID-19, participants will be observing CDC guidelines of wearing masks and observing social distancing. In-person attendance will be limited.
Mass Vaccination Video
On February 5, 2021, the Florida Department of Health in Alachua County and the University of Florida hosted the largest single vaccination event yet in Alachua County, with over 1,000 people vaccinated.
Black History Month Videos
Alachua County is celebrating Black History Month by sharing several videos showcasing Black History in our County. Click the links to watch each of the videos.
Alachua County Offering Free Virtual Training for the Irrigation Industry
Alachua County Environmental Protection Department, the St Johns River Water Management District, and the Florida Nursery, Growers, and Landscape Association are offering Florida Water Star (FWS) Accredited Professional training for the irrigation industry. The training webinar series is offered in three, two-hour sessions held on three consecutive weeks from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. on February 24, March 3, and March 10, 2021. While this training is free, participants must register online by February 22.
Florida Department of Health in Alachua County Recognizes National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day
February 7, 2021, commemorated National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NBHAAD). NBHAAD aims to increase HIV education, testing, community involvement, and treatment among black communities. This year’s theme, “We’re in This Together,” highlights the importance of social support in eliminating stigma and reducing new HIV diagnoses among individuals that make up the black community. Even while many of us are physically distanced, we all have an important and distinct role to play in ending HIV. The Florida Department of Health (FDOH) in Alachua County joins community partners across the country to improve access to testing, overcome barriers for linkage to and retention in care, increase access to PrEP, and reduce new HIV infections and HIV-related disparities.
Bicycle Safety Information
As the weather starts to warm up, it is likely that more bicyclists on the roads. Alachua County Public Works would like to help raise bicycle safety awareness by sharing a few facts and tips.