As a limited supply of the coronavirus vaccine has become available across Florida, residents are understandably anxious to know when they will be able to stand in line for a dose.
While Miami-Dade County has the most number of cases in the state, it is seeing its number of vaccine supplies go down. Click here for a full list of vaccine locations in South Florida.
More Vaccine News
Here's what we know today about the coronavirus outbreak in Florida, and the effort to stop it.
Florida Leads US In UK Variant Because State Labs Look For It
While the COVID-19 variant is not more deadly than the earlier version, it spreads more easily. That means more people are at risk and on the whole that could be just as bad.
Nationwide, 122 cases of it have been detected in 20 states, with Florida’s 46 cases leading the way. But there’s a good reason for that.
More here.
Jackson Health System Now Requiring Proof of Residency for COVID Vaccine
In an effort to deter vaccine tourism, Jackson Health System added proof of residency to their COVID-19 vaccine requirement if the person does not have valid U.S. identification.
But some feel this requirement may disproportionately affect undocumented immigrants, the homeless population and others who may not have two forms of proper documentation.
More here.
Baptist Health South Florida Suspends First-Dose Vaccinations
Due to COVID-19 vaccine supply constraints, Baptist Health South Florida announced it will be suspending all first-dose appointments. Those who have an appointment for a second dose will not be affected.
Appointments made on Jan. 20 and all later dates have been canceled. The health care organization said it won't be taking any new appointments.
Miami Opens Vaccination Site at Marlins Park
A state-run vaccination site for seniors is opening at Marlins Park, Mayor Francis Suarez said Tuesday.
The site will administer 1,000 doses daily. People 65 and older can call 1-888-499-0840 for an appointment. The number for those who are visually impaired is 1-888-256-8918. The line will normally be open from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. ET.
There is no residency requirement at this site.
Florida Adds 9,800 New COVID-19 Cases, Reports 163 More Virus-Related Deaths Tuesday
Florida added more than 9,800 new COVID-19 cases on Tuesday, as the state's virus-related death toll increased by over 160.
The 9,816 new confirmed COVID-19 cases brought Florida's total to 1,589,097 since the outbreak began.
Another 162 virus-related deaths among Florida residents were reported Tuesday, bringing the total to 24,436.
More here.
Florida Expanding Publix Vaccine Locations to Palm Beach, Monroe Counties
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced Tuesday the expansion of the state's vaccination program with Publix to two South Florida counties.
DeSantis said all 67 pharmacies at locations in Palm Beach County, along with two locations in Monroe County in Islamorada and Key West, would begin giving the vaccine to residents ages 65 years and older.
Residents can begin making reservations Wednesday with the first doses being distributed on Thursday.
Vaccine Supplies Dwindle at Miami-Dade County Sites
Florida is not sending Miami-Dade County any doses this week for first-time vaccinations, so — unless the state‘s plans change — the county will no longer be offering shots at Tropical Park and Zoo Miami for the rest of the week.
The cuts do not affect state-run sites at Hard Rock Stadium or one that was expected to open Tuesday at Marlins Park but still has not.
A spokesman for the state health department has not responded to a question about why Gov. Ron DeSantis cut off supply to county-run sites in the state’s hardest hit county, while the state continues to get about a quarter million doses a week for the last month.
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