JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The Johnson & Johnson vaccine is no longer available as an option at federally run vaccination sites in Jacksonville.
On Thursday, Gov. DeSantis announced the initial 175,000 doses are almost all gone throughout the state.
He says Florida isn’t getting any new shipments of the vaccine for the next couple of weeks.
For 61-year-old Eric Laney, he didn’t care which one he got.
“I’m just so happy to be vaccinated,” says Laney.
He just became eligible for the vaccine this week when DeSantis lowered the age to 60 and above.
In a press conference on Thursday, DeSantis said, “We are very encouraged by the senior vaccination rates... we have done over three million seniors throughout the state of Florida...”
As of now two-thirds of seniors have been vaccinated in the state.
He says 55 and up will be next very soon. And potentially by April just open it up to everyone who wants it.
The idea that more will be eligible for the vaccine soon gives Laney hope.
“I don’t think will be completely back to the way it was before the pandemic but it gets us closer and closer,” says Laney.
Until then, the governor is encouraging anyone who wants the vaccine to get it, whichever one is available.
Laney’s advice: “Weigh the odds. Yes, you have a right not to get to get the vaccine, but just carefully consider if you’re putting yourself at risk and putting other people at risk and just know the facts study up on it.”
On Thursday, DeSantis made it clear that you won’t need a vaccine passport in Florida that proves you’ve gotten a shot.
He also thinks private companies shouldn’t require them either.
It’s important to keep the vaccine card for your records and for other potential places outside Florida.
If you lose it, contact your local health department for a replacement.
Cox Media Group
