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Gov. DeSantis Lowers Vaccine Eligibility To 40 And Older

VA Gulf Coast Veterans Health Care System

Governor Ron DeSantis on Thursday announced that all Floridians ages 40 and older will be able to receive COVID-19 vaccinations starting Monday and that all adults 18 and over will be eligible on April 5th. 

The announcement came after eligibility expanded to people ages 50 and older this week. DeSantis says he focused initially on vaccinating seniors and health-care workers but has gradually expanded eligibility.

“We have made great progress and I look forward to continuing to work hard to make sure everyone in Florida who wants a shot, can get a shot. No mandate, but access for all.”

Through Tuesday, slightly more than 5.2 million people had been at least partially vaccinated. Vaccines produced by Pfizer and Moderna require two doses, while a Johnson & Johnson vaccine requires only one dose.

More than 2.85 million people in Florida had completed two-dose series or had received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine as of Tuesday, according to the state Department of Health. About 2.35 million had received first doses of Pfizer or Moderna vaccines.