FL Teachers, Law Enforcement Officers Ages 50+ Vaccinated Next

FLORIDA — Florida’s teachers and law enforcement officers 50 and older are next in line to receive the coronavirus vaccine, Gov. Ron DeSantis said during a news conference in Hialeah Tuesday.

As the state receives more vaccine doses and with four federally run Florida vaccination sites set to open in March, DeSantis said his administration plans to expand eligibility for the vaccine. These sites will open in Jacksonville, Miami, Orlando and Tampa.

Since the start of the vaccine’s rollout in December, the state has targeted three communities: frontline health care workers with direct patient contact, residents and staff in long-term care facilities, and individuals who are 65 and older. Hospitals can also choose to vaccinate those they feel are vulnerable to coronavirus. The governor issued an executive order prioritizing these groups.

DeSantis said he’s been communicating with police and sheriff’s departments throughout the state to see how many officers are 50 and older and interested in receiving the vaccine.

At the same news conference, he announced that 81 CVS-owned pharmacies in Florida will begin administering the vaccine Thursday.

Seniors 65 and older can begin booking appointments at 31 Navarro Discount Pharmacies and 35 CVS Pharmacy y más stores in South Florida Wednesday.

The vaccine will also be available at CVS pharmacies in 13 counties, DeSantis said, including one each in Miami-Dade, Palm Beach, Collier, Hillsborough, Manatee, Hendry, St. Lucie, Volusia, Flagler, Gadsden and Escambia counties. There will also be two each in Broward and Polk counties, he said.

These locations “were selected to ensure vaccines reach underserved areas,” the governor said.

Each location will distribute at least 100 doses each day. Those interested in receiving the vaccine at a CVS-owned store can register online here starting Wednesday.

DeSantis also noted that the number of new COVID-19 cases reported in Florida continues to decline. According to state data, around 5,600 new cases were reported Tuesday.

The numbers have been going down for more than a month, he added. He doesn’t believe the vaccine played a part in this decline at first, noting that it was likely just part of the virus’ “natural cycle.”

He said, “I think at this point, if we continue to see it go down and you don’t see any increases, that may be the vaccine starting to play a role.”