COVID-19 vaccine eligibility to expand to all Floridians age 18 and older beginning April 5

FLORIDA — More local families will soon have access to vaccines across Florida. Governor Ron DeSantis says the eligibility age will drop to 40 this upcoming Monday and then down to 18+ the following Monday, April 5.

The turnout at the gateway mall vaccination site has been underwhelming for the most part, but the site could see thousands of more people show up starting Monday.

A FEMA spokesperson told Action News Jax the guidance for how they’ll operate in the upcoming weeks will stay the same and they’ll evaluate on a day to day basis.

Those who received their first dose today say the age drop couldn’t come soon enough.

“They need to be opening up to younger people, plus younger people are the ones out and about they need to be getting them vaccinated,” one woman told Action News Jax.

Samantha Sherrod received her first dose today and says it’s a peace of mind for younger people who were worried about getting older family sick.

I feel safer, secured, especially with older parents and realtives likes that,” Sherrod said. “I think it will help everyone out just to have it open to anyone.”

With the expectations of thousands of people to show up, a FEMA spokesperson tells Action News Jax the daily first dose limit of 500 will stay the same for 40+ but 18+ will be a day by day situation.

“It’s a fluid situation,” Mark Brady, FEMA spokesperson for Gateway site said. “As new criteria develops we are able to change and go with the flow.”

Those who are fully vaccinated said the more vaccines, the better.

“It seems to be working for us, lets get on board everybody and do what needs to be done and stay safe,” one woman told Action News Jax.

Cox Media Group