All Florida Teachers Now Eligible For COVID-19 Vaccinations Regardless of Age

March 4, 2021

COVID-19 vaccinations are now open to all Florida teachers and staff, along with child care workers, regardless of age.

Florida Gov.  Ron DeSantis announced the new policy on Thursday following a Biden administration mandate. An order previously issued by DeSantis allowed vaccines for only those educators age 50 and over.

“The federal government put that order in,” DeSantis said from a press conference early Thursday. “So they’ve made the teachers, regardless of age, eligible. So they are eligible to get vaccinated per that order.”

But DeSantis said Florida will continue to push for the vaccination of seniors.

“Our view is just if your are 25, you are at less risk that somebody that’s 80. That’s just the bottom line,” the governor said. “The age based approach, we think, is the most effective to reduce mortality. At the same time, the federal government is one sending us the vaccine. If they want it to be for all ages, then they have the ability to go and do that.”

“But one our number one goal right now is to get through the senior population.”

Pictured: Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks about teacher vaccinations at a press conference in Crystal River Thursday morning. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.

Comments

8 Responses to “All Florida Teachers Now Eligible For COVID-19 Vaccinations Regardless of Age”

  1. Kym Atwood on March 9th, 2021 11:03 pm

    I am 62 and a dance teacher in Pensacola. I teach children age 5 through adults. I also teach a wellness class for employees at Pensacola State College, and I work in the Fitness Center on Pensacola State main campus. I am a fitness tech and I meet and help people from age 19 through 88 year olds. Am I eligible for the vaccine?

  2. Marie on March 4th, 2021 9:53 pm

    Luz, if you have a health condition that makes you high risk ,such as diabetes or high blood pressure, you qualify now even though you’re not 65.

  3. Marie on March 4th, 2021 9:50 pm

    Nadene Ratcliffe, please e-mail covid19vaccinesupport@ascension.org. They will set you up with an appointment.

  4. Nadene Ratcliffe on March 4th, 2021 8:19 pm

    My husband, Rod and I , have been trying for multiple weeks to apply for a reservation to get a Covid-19 vaccine with no success. We are now both over 65, live in Florida, and I am an educator with 33 years of teaching experience in Illinois. I have subbed for 3 years in Charlotte and Sarasota County, yet will not sub until I have my vaccine shots and I feel comfortable with the vaccine being under control. Please look at your lists of people like my husband and I who have been trying to apply for an appointment with no success. Thank you, Nadene and Rod Ratcliffe

  5. Carmen alfaro on March 4th, 2021 8:13 pm

    I think every teacher not matters what age. Should be vaccinated.
    They will be more confident going back to school that this children.
    Looking forward go back to school.

  6. James Maynard on March 4th, 2021 8:10 pm

    Me and my wife are down here 5 months got the application and we both filled out properly they called and told us to report and we did née waited over an hour they checked are paper work and said my wife was not Eligible because she did not have a bill in her name we’re she was staying and the cable bill was in my name and we both live together the woman was rude and said I don’t we’re she lives and we can’t do the whole world really these are the people you put in charge we drove off not getting the vaccine

  7. LUZ M Irizarry on March 4th, 2021 7:52 pm

    Great to hear that teachers and staff can get vaccinated now , If I may ask I am 64 and turn 65 in September will it be any time soon when the vaccination will be available in Oceola for my age thank you.in advance.

  8. Fran strauss on March 4th, 2021 7:42 pm

    My daughter has been teaching in a classroom of children since school began in Aug. She has 15 students in a lake co. Elem. School. They follow protical but she is 40. And a single mom. She needs the protection. We have not seen them much because we r in our 70 s. A great deal of stress would b lifted if she has the vaccine. Thank you.