For medically vulnerable Floridians, vaccine brings relief after search for access
Those with medical conditions and their families expressed gratitude for eligibility after what many say has been a confusing process.
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Linda Hubner, right shares a brief hug with her daughter, Hanna at their St. Petersburg home on Tuesday, March 9, 2021. With Gov. Ron DeSantis executive order expanding vaccine access to the medically vulnerable, many locals have been searching for a vaccine appointment. Linda was finally able to get an appointment last Friday for Hanna, but said the process of getting vaccines has been confusing for many people. [ BOYZELL HOSEY | Tampa Bay Times ]
In order to receive the vaccine, you must meet federal requirements, but no appointment is necessary.
Qualified individuals include: Pre-K-12 teachers and childcare workers of any age (must bring school ID along with Florida driver s license/ID and insurance card), firefighters and law enforcement ages 50 and up (must bring badge along with Florida driver s license/ID), anyone age 65 or older (must bring Florida driver s license/ID or proof of Florida residency and insurance card), vulnerable populations 18 years or older (must bring Florida driver s license/ID or proof of Florida residency, insurance card, and a prescription form or doctors note completed by your provider), and frontline healthcare workers (must bring company badge/proof of employment along with Florida driver s license/ID).
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Premier Community HealthCare, which serves patients in Pasco and Hernando counties, is one of the first federally qualified health centers in Florida to receive direct coronavirus vaccine shipments from the federal government.
It s part of a national initiative to reach underserved communities and starts with 250 centers around the country.
Some health centers in Florida that primarily serve low-income and uninsured patients are expecting a shipment of coronavirus vaccines from the federal government next week.
It s part of the Biden administration s plan to provide supplies directly to federally qualified health centers, also known as FQHCs or community health centers.
The phased plan starts with 250 facilities nationwide. One of those is Premier Community HealthCare, which has clinics in Pasco and Hernando counties.