Per reports, the United States Center for Disease Control (CDC) will announce new vaccine deployment recommendations that mirror Florida’s unique strategy.
Florida’s fifth week of vaccine distribution is currently underway, and the state has continued to prioritize vaccine access to seniors age 65 and older – a strategy that initially went above and beyond recommended guidelines issued by the federal government.
Florida has vaccinated nearly 350,000 seniors – more than any other state in the nation that’s reporting updates on this critical effort.
“Florida is putting Seniors First. More than 50 percent of the total vaccinations administered in the state have been for individuals 65 and older, and we continue to accelerate this rate,” said Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, “Last week, Florida vaccinated 223,000 seniors, which is nearly 70 percent of all people vaccinated for Week 4 alone.”
Florida is home to more than 4.5 million seniors, and both nationwide and in Florida, seniors 65 and older have more severe risks, accounting for more than 80% of all COVID related deaths. The Governor has made it clear this population is his top priority.
Innovative pilot programs, such as the ones we’ve launched with Publix as well as with our places of worship, will ensure the vaccine is as accessible as possible and incentivize swift deployment by our partners on the ground. The state has also worked across sectors to develop innovative and unique sites to increase vaccine access statewide. Such locations include:
- Places of Worship
- State-Run Testing Sites
- Partnership with Publix
- Supplementing LTC Facility Federal Efforts
- Senior Living Communities
As vaccine distribution expands to wider populations, Florida will continue this stride and develop multi-faceted resources to ensure Floridians have access to the COVID-19 vaccine.
For more information on vaccines and access, please visit the Florida Department of Health.