NORTHWEST MIAMI-DADE, FLA. (WSVN) - Miami-Dade College’s North Campus vaccination site is having another busy day of distributing the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
On Tuesday, vaccination sites run by the Federal Emergency Management Agency started to only administer the one-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine but the limited option did not deter Florida residents from coming to get their shot at prevention.
“There is still reason for us to be concerned with rising case counts, rising variants reported and increasing hospitalizations,” said CDC director Dr. Rochelle Walensky. “And there is so much reason for so much hope.”
Walensky said there’s still concern for increasing cases of COVID, but hope in the form of the shot.
“It’s a great feeling because I’m not just taking care of myself but helping others,” said recipient Gil Almeida.
On Wednesday morning, hundreds of people lined up to get their COVID-19 vaccine.
More than 10,000 people were vaccinated at FEMA-supported sites on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, President Joe Biden made a big announcement about expanding vaccine eligibility nationwide.
“By no later than April 19, in every part of this country, every adult over the age of 18 or older will be able to be vaccinated,” Biden said. “No more confusing rules, no more confusing restrictions.”
On Monday, the Sunshine State opened vaccine eligibility to residents 18 and older, along with teens 16 and 17 accompanied by a parent. However, 16- and 17-year-olds are only eligible for the Pfizer vaccine.
“The message is any vaccine is better than no vaccine, while the decision to get one vaccine over another is a personal decision that you should take into consideration with your healthcare provider,” said Florida Division of Emergency Management spokesperson Mike Jachles.
Federally-supported vaccination sites are in their second day of administering the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
“You don’t have anything to lose just to get it. Don’t be fooled,” Almeida said.
People who need their second Pfizer shot can get it as long as they have an appointment.
Publix is trying to keep up with demand, booking fast and giving Moderna and Johnson & Johnson shots.
As more people are getting vaccinated, local leaders are making adjustments.
On Tuesday evening, Broward County commissioners voted in favor of lifting some COVID-19 restrictions under an approved Phase 1 plan.
The White House COVID-19 Response Team held a briefing on Wednesday morning.
“It is in our power to minimize death, disease and misery. If all of us do our part, we could help save lives in April, May and June,” said White House COVID-19 advisor Andy Slavitt.
Anyone with questions and concerns about the coronavirus can call the Florida Department of Health’s 24-hour hotline at 1-866-779-6121.
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