Caregivers who bring someone 65+ with them to get vaccinated can also get a chance

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. A Facebook post by Senator Audrey Gibson (D-Jacksonville) in Florida, may give the impression that anyone who brings a person aged 65 or older to the federal vaccine at Gateway Mall on Saturday may get a chance, but this is not entirely true.

Caregivers accompanying qualified seniors to be vaccinated do qualify to be shot – as Gibson’s kite is titled – but not “everyone who brings a parent can be vaccinated”, as the text below reads in her report.

Although it is not set out in the state or federal guidelines for the FEMA vaccination site, caregivers can get a chance if they accompany a person they care for, if the person is 65 years and older, spokesman Kimber Kipp of FEMA, confirmed to News4Jax.

Some states have specific criteria that define caregivers. News4Jax is trying to find out if Florida has any rules.

Gibson’s kite promotes a We Care event on Saturday from 11:30 to 15:30 on the premises in Norwood Avenue.

“Bring your 65-year-old lover and meet me for We Care – Every One Gets One! honey shells and ice cream opportunity! The kite reads.

Gibson said the opportunity she is offering is to encourage more seniors to get their vaccinations, as the Gateway website did not use all of its available vaccine every day.

Current qualifications for federal websites in Florida, including Gateway Mall:

Residents and staff for long-term care facilities
Persons aged 65 and over
Healthcare staff with direct contact with the patient
K-12 school employees of any age
Sworn officers 50 years and older
Firefighters 50 years and older

While the hours of Gibson’s event are limited, the Gateway website is open seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

“I’m so happy because it protects me and protects other people,” Maria Gomez said as she left Gateway on Friday.

Gomez’s 21-year-old nephew also gets a shot. He could be eligible for a medical condition, but he would have been her caregiver, and he believes it is crucial to curb this pandemic.

“I think this is important, especially if you are caring for an older population,” said Ibraheem Ahmed. “They are more susceptible to the virus, so it’s important that both can get it.”

There is another change in the criteria Monday when the age to be eligible for a vaccine at all sites in Florida drops to 60, according to the latest executive order from Governor Ron DeSantis.

And the FEMA satellite sites currently in the Normandy Community Center and the Hammond Senior Center will close on Saturday and relocate and reopen in new locations over the next ten days. They offer a choice between Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson vaccines.

Carver Center, 777 South Street, Jacksonville Beach
Oceanway Community Center, 12215 Sago Ave. W., Jacksonville

People wishing to be vaccinated on one of the federal websites or the state-owned premises at Regency Square are encouraged to pre-register by going to the state’s online website – myvaccine.fl.gov – or by calling the Duval County booking number – 866 -200-3762. However, appointments are not necessary.

For links to all pharmacy registrations and state-run vaccination sites in other counties, click on our Where to get COVID-19 vaccines in Northeast Florida.

Transportation is available. Call JTA at 904-630-3100 to arrange a ride.

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