No waiting, as Floridia opens COVID-19 vaccines to all adults

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The opening of vaccines to all Floridians 16 years of age or older on Monday sparked lines in some parts of the state, but not in Jacksonville’s largest location: the Gateway Mall.

Children under the age of 18 should go to a site that offers the Pfizer vaccine, as Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines are currently only authorized for people over the age of 18. 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 like something had to be done to protect others,” Jalen Bell, 17, said as she walked out of the Gateway Mall. “I think it’s something that shows you take it seriously.”

Announcements

A couple dozen people were in line when the FEMA-managed site on Gateway opened Monday morning. No appointments are required at federal locations.

“It was easy,” said Tamika Hightown, who took her 16-year-old son to Gateway Monday morning. “Come in and follow the signs and it was inside and out. It was easy. “

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

All federal or federal government-run sites, including Gateway Mall and Regency Square Mall, are currently giving the two-dose Pfizer vaccine, though it will switch to Johnson & Johnson on Tuesday. State-run sites, including Regency Square Mall and most county health departments, are expected to continue offering the Pfizer vaccine.

Announcements

The Gateway site and satellite sites will continue to administer second doses of the Pfizer vaccine to people who received their first dose at these sites.

Gateway can vaccinate up to 3,000 people a day, although it is on average less than half that number.

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

Florida’s age requirement fell from 65 and older in January to 60 in February, 50 in March and 40 or older last week. Age limits have been reduced to the limits of the guidelines authorized by FD.

Announcements

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

“I’ve been out most of the year, so being able to go out and not have to worry about COVID will be a big deal,” Laguerre said.

On average, Gateway officials say the entire process takes only about 30 minutes, which includes a 15-minute observation period after receiving the shot.

The Johnson and Johnson vaccine will be more available starting Tuesday, replacing Pfizer at the largest vaccination site: Gateway.

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

“She is OK. It was easy, ”Tina Corporan said.

Corporan received his Johnson and Johnson vaccine Sunday in the center’s library.

“I did it for my husband. He has health issues that concern me and I want to make sure he doesn’t take him home, ”Corporan said.

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