Vaccination age is lowered to 60

Posted on March 10, 2021

As Governor Ron DeSantis continues to expand the requirements that must be met in order to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, the local health department reports that local demand has “drastically” decreased to the point only 100 first doses were scheduled last week.

“While we continue to receive weekly shipments of vaccines, local demand for the priority areas has drastically decreased,” Department of Health-Taylor (DOH-Taylor) Operations Manager Martine Young said. “Last week, we scheduled 45 second doses and 110 first doses.”

“Priority areas” include: persons who are 60 years of age or older (beginning March 15), K-12 school employees who are 50 years of age or older, sworn law enforcement

who are 50 years of age or older, firefighters who are 50 years of age or older and persons under 65 who have been deemed medically vulnerable by a physician (form required).

On Thursday, March 4, DeSantis expanded vaccine eligibility to K-12 educators and law enforcement who are 50 years of age and older.

On Monday, March 8, DeSantis expanded vaccine eligibility yet again to include all those who are 60 and up, rather than the previous minimum age requirement of 65 years of age.

“Those that meet the new requirement (age 60 or older) can begin calling to schedule their appointments this week,” Young said.

To date, 3,195 people have received at least the first dose of the vaccine in Taylor County.

DOH-Taylor has 510 people scheduled to receive their second dose of the vaccine today (Wednesday).

COVID-19 vaccines for the health department’s priority populations are available by appointment only. Call DOH-Taylor at (850) 584-5087 to make an appointment.

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