NEWS: Florida Aiming to Offer COVID Vaccines to All Adults Before May

Vaccine rollout is ongoing in response to the global health crisis.

COVID-19 vaccination tents at the Disneyland Resort ©Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG

Earlier this month, President Joe Biden announced that all U.S. states will need to make the vaccine available to ALL ADULTS by May 1st. Now, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is commenting on when that might happen for the state.

According to News 10 Tampa Bay, DeSantis stated that Florida will be able to beat the target of May 1st and have vaccines available to all adults in the state before then.

©The Florida Channel | Courtesy of WTVT

In his statement, DeSantis notes, “I do think – the goal was to have all adults by May 1st; I think we’re gonna be able to get there way before May 1st.”

Still, the Governor asked for patience from younger adults as the rollout continues. Some vaccination sites across the state have reopened to younger age groups, including the Orange County Convention Center which is currently allowing people 40 years and older to receive their vaccines.

Florida-themed Orange Bird Mural in Disney Springs

Barring a few exceptions, the state remains at a limit of those 50 years and older receiving the vaccine. DeSantis notes, “If you’re in your 20s or 30s understand that this is gonna happen very soon, absent them really reeling back the vaccines on us, in terms of the supply.”

Florida Sunset

The Florida government continues to encourage counties to vaccinate at least 70% of seniors before moving to vaccinate “very low-risk people.” It’s possible that the age requirement will lower soon, but DeSantis was vague on when.

Disney CEO Bob Chapek has noted that recovery and a return to normal depend heavily on the speed of vaccine rollout. We’ll be keeping an eye on Disney’s response to the vaccination trends.