Vaccine Distribution is Number One in Nation – CDC Adopts Florida Plan
Our Governor Ron DeSantis is continuing to travel that state and has remained laser-focused on keeping Florida’s Seniors First by leading the way on prioritizing those 65 and older for the vaccine (issued January 11, 2021). In fact, on Tuesday, January 12, 2021, the CDC reversed course following Florida’s lead of immunizing seniors who are 65 years of age and older. Gov. DeSantis’ strategy went above and beyond recommended guidelines issued by the federal government. Once again, our state is leading by example and our Governor and his administration are taking all the steps necessary to ensure the safety of Floridians.
As the state heads into its fifth week of COVID-19 vaccine distribution, Florida has vaccinated nearly 350,000 seniors – more than any other state in the nation that’s reporting updates on this critical effort.
In case you missed it, we are including a press release that was issued last night by Governor Ron DeSantis’ office. You can read it below. You can also watch a video that his office released earlier yesterday by clicking here.
CDC to Reverse Course and Follow Florida’s Lead Prioritizing “Seniors First” for Vaccinations
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.
Our state 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.
