Here’s what we know about Florida’s plan to distribute COVID-19 vaccines

Healthcare workers and Assisted-Living residents are at the front of the line: here’s who comes next

By Eric Wiener

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Vaccinations of healthcare workers in Florida started on December 14th, when the CEO of UF Health Jacksonville was first in Florida to get the first dose of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine. We told you on December 18th, when vaccinations of assisted living residents in Florida started in Jacksonville. The Florida Health Department has outlined it’s plans to distribute vaccines, as more vaccines from more manufacturers are approved by the FDA and CDC.

Florida plans to distribute the vaccine in phases. The State of Florida published a draft plan in October. The state has not shared a more updated or finalized plan yet.

Florida's time-phased vaccination strategy, from its draft vaccination plan Florida's time-phased vaccination strategy, from its draft vaccination plan (Florida Department of Health)

The current vaccines are only for people 18 and older, according to health officials, but Florida’s draft plan accounts for children eventually getting vaccines through their health providers, commercial pharmacies, and health clinics.