The lack of proof of Florida residence could attract COVID-19 vaccine tourists

PEMBROKE PARK, Fla. Amid a limited supply of COVID-19 vaccines, the lack of proof of residence requirement in Florida could attract COVID-19 vaccine tourists.

Judy Wolff from Fort Lauderdale is eager to get the first dose of the vaccine. The 73-year-old grandmother said she can’t wait to see her grandchildren.

Wolff has been trying to get an appointment for almost two weeks. She is angry because she knows eight people from New York who fly to South Florida just for the vaccine.

Although these are family and friends, Wolff does not think that is fair.

“I feel like they are stealing our vaccinations,” she said.

Gov. Ron DeSantis said earlier this week that Florida is a transient state, so hibernators, seasonal travelers seeking refuge in South Florida to avoid cold winters at home should have no problem accessing the vaccine when they are 65 or older. to be older.

Mireille Gaouette thinks it’s great, but she hasn’t been able to get access to the vaccine either. The 75-year-old snowbird from Quebec, Canada, considers Broward County a second home. She has been traveling back and forth for 23 years.

“We discourage people coming to Florida from getting a vaccine,” DeSantis said.

Wolff said she knows this isn’t true and that it hurts many of the seniors who call Florida home.

“Every time I go there it says, ‘Upcoming appointments are full’ and ‘Please try it,’ but people from New York are coming through it?

Jackson Health System in Miami-Dade County and Memorial Healthcare System in Broward County require photo ID, but only to verify age requirement.

Local 10 News is pending a request with the Florida Department of Health for data on the number of non-Florida residents receiving the COVID-19 vaccine.