Caregivers who bring someone over the age of 65 to get vaccinated can also receive a vaccine

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JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A Facebook post from Florida State Senator Audrey Gibson (D-Jacksonville) may give the impression that anyone carrying a person 65 years of age or older at the Gateway Mall federal vaccination site on Saturday can get a chance, but that’s not entirely true.

Caregivers who accompany qualified seniors for vaccination can get a vaccine (as the Gibson flyer is titled), but not “everyone carrying an elderly person can get vaccinated,” as the text below said.

Although not explained in state or federal guidelines for the FEMA vaccination site, caregivers can get a shot if they accompany a person they care for, if that person is 65 or older, a spokeswoman for News4Jax confirmed to News4Jax. FEMA, Kimber Kipp.

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

Announcements

The Gibson Steering Wheel promotes a We Care event from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Saturday at the Norwood Avenue location.

“Bring your loved ones over 65 and get to know us by We care: everyone gets a honey and ice cream mushroom!” Reads the flyer.

Gibson said the event he promotes is encouraging more seniors to get their vaccines, as the Gateway site has not used all the vaccines available each day.

Current ratings for federal sites in Florida, including Gateway Mall:

  • Residents and staff of long-term care centers

  • People 65 years or older

  • Health personnel with direct contact with the patient

  • K-12 school employees of any age

  • Sworn police officers 50 years of age or older

  • Firefighters 50 years or older

Although Gibson’s event hours are limited, the Gateway site is open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., seven days a week.

“I’m very happy because he protects me and protects other people,” Maria Gomez said when she left Gateway on Friday.

Gomez’s 21-year-old nephew also gets shot. He was eligible due to a medical illness, but would have been his caregiver and believes it is crucial to contain this pandemic.

Announcements

“I think it’s important, especially if you take care of a large population,” Ibraheem Ahmed said. “They’re more susceptible to the virus, so it’s important that they can both get it.”

On Monday there will be another change of criteria when the age to qualify for a vaccine in all Florida locations drops to 60, according to the latest executive order from Gov. Ron DeSantis.

And the satellite sites currently managed by FEMA at Normandy Community Center and Hammond Senior Center will close on Saturday and will be moved and opened on Sunday to new locations over the next 10 days. They offer a selection of Pfizer or Johnson & Johnson vaccines.

  • Carver Center, 777 South 5th Street, Jacksonville Beach

  • Oceanway Community Center, 12215 Sago Ave. W., Jacksonville

People wishing to get vaccinated at one of the federal or Regency Square state sites are advised to pre-register by accessing the state’s online site – myvaccine.fl.gov – or by calling the reservation number of Duval County – 866 -200-3762. However, no prior appointment is required.

Announcements

For links to all state-run pharmacy and vaccination registry records in other counties, click on the Where to get COVID-19 vaccines in Northeast Florida history.

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

Copyright 2021 by WJXT News4Jax – All rights reserved.

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