JACKSONVILLE, Fla — The COVID vaccination eligibility age will be lowered to 50 beginning Monday, announced Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis during a news conference in Tallahassee on Friday.
"As we stand now Florida's done vaccinated over 3 million senior citizens, we're close to 70% of all seniors that have had a shot," said DeSantis.
"...the bottom line is it's been very orderly, you've had the people able to get appointments online much easier now than when the first crush started at the end of December, so we feel confident going to a 50 plus."
"I think that demand has softened enough that opening up to 50 plus will be will be good, we'll monitor see how next week goes but we figure out pretty quickly."
DeSantis was also joined by Division of Emergency Management Director Jared Moskowitz.
Moskowitz announced earlier this year that he would be stepping down from his role in April. He's led the state's response to the coronavirus pandemic and now the current vaccine rollout.
He announced the opening of several additional vaccination sites next week.
"Monday, Tuesday of next week we'll have nine more dedicated sites just in the minority community," said Moskowitz. "We were one of the first in the country to open these sites."
At this time it's not clear where these sites will be located in the state of Florida.
In terms of opening up the vaccine to additional age groups, DeSantis said he hopes to honor the May 1 vaccine directive issued by President Biden.
"Certainly before May 1, we'll be able to open it up to all adults," DeSantis said of the COVID-19 vaccination in the state during a news conference in Volusia County last week.
