No waiting because Floridia opens COVID-19 vaccines to all adults

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. The opening of vaccinations for every Florida age of 16 and older has given rise to lines in some parts of the state, but not at Jacksonville’s largest site: Gateway Mall.

People under 18 should go to a website where the Pfizer vaccine is offered, as the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines are currently only authorized for people 18 and older. The state also requires 16- and 17-year-olds to be accompanied by a parent or guardian to sign a consent form. (Click here for a printable version of the form.)

“I felt it had to do something to protect others,” 17-year-old Jalen Bell said as he left the Gateway Mall. “I think it’s something that shows you take it seriously.”

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A few dozen people were in line when the FEMA premises at Gateway opened Monday morning. No federal appointments are required.

“It was easy,” said Tamika Hightown, who brought her 16-year-old son to Gateway Monday morning. ‘You go in and follow the directions and it was in and out. It was easy. ”

WHERE, HOW TO GET A SHOT: Vaccination Available in Northeast Florida | RELATED: Where 16-, 17-year-olds can get COVID-19 shots in Jacksonville

All of the sites run by the federal government or government – including those at Gateway Mall and Regency Square Mall – currently provide the two-dose Pfizer vaccine, though it will change to Johnson & Johnson on Tuesday. The state-run sites – including Regency Square Mall and most provincial health departments – are expected to offer the Pfizer vaccine.

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The Gateway website and satellite sites will continue to administer the second doses of the Pfizer vaccine to individuals receiving their first dose at these sites.

Gateway can vaccinate up to 3,000 people a day, but is on average less than half the number.

Monday, FEMA’s mobile vaccination unit is open at Abyssinia Missionary Baptist Church on Interstate Center Drive on the Northside of Jacksonville. Johnson & Johnson vaccines are available until 7 p.m. for anyone 18 years and older.

The Florida age requirement dropped from 65 years and older to 60+ in February, 50 in March and 40 and older last week. The age limits have dropped to the limits of the FD-authorized guidelines.

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Max Laguerre is in his twenties and he is excited to finally be eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine.

“I was outside most of the year, so it’s a great thing to be able to go outside and not have to worry about COVID,” Laguerre said.

On average, Gateway officials say the entire process only takes about 30 minutes, which includes an observation period of 15 minutes after the shot is received.

The Johnson and Johnson vaccine will be more available from Tuesday and will replace Pfizer at the largest vaccination site – Gateway.

The Johnson & Johnson vaccine appears to be a popular choice because it is a single dose.

“It feels great. It was easy, ”said Tina Corporan.

Corporan received her Johnson and Johnson vaccine downtown Sunday from the library.

“I did it for my husband. “He has health problems that concern me, and I want to make sure I do not bring them home to him,” said Corporan.

Everyone who received their first dose of Pfizer at Gateway will be guaranteed their second dose at the Oceanway Community Center or the Carver Recreational Center.