You don’t have to wait because Florida is opening up COVID-19 vaccines to all adults

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. Opening up vaccinations to every Floridian 16 and older on Monday led to lines in some parts of the state, but not Jacksonville’s largest location: Gateway Mall.

Those under 18 should go to a site that offers the Pfizer vaccine, as the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines are currently only allowed for people 18 and older. 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 it was something that needed to be done to protect others,” said 17-year-old Jalen Bell as he left Gateway Mall. “I think it’s something that shows you take it seriously.”

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A few dozen people lined up when the FEMA site at Gateway opened Monday morning. No appointments are required on federal sites.

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

WHERE, HOW TO GET A SHOT: Availability of vaccination in Northeast Florida RELATED: Where 16-17 year olds can get COVID-19 shots in Jacksonville

All federal or government-run sites – including those in Gateway Mall and Regency Square Mall – are currently giving the two-dose Pfizer vaccine, although that will change to Johnson & Johnson on Tuesday. The state-run sites – including Regency Square Mall and most of the county’s health departments – are expected to continue to offer the Pfizer vaccine.

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

Gateway can vaccinate up to 3,000 people per day, but averages less than half that number.

Monday, FEMA’s mobile vaccination unit opened at the Missionary Baptist Church in Abyssinia on Interstate Center Drive on the north side of Jacksonville. Johnson & Johnson vaccines are available until 7 p.m. for anyone 18 and older.

The Florida age requirement dropped from 65 and above in January to 60+ in February, 50 years in March, and 40 and over last week. The age limits fell to the limits of the guidelines authorized by the FD.

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Max Laguerre is in his 20s and he is delighted to finally qualify for the COVID-19 vaccine.

“I’ve been outside most of the year, so being able to go outside and not worry about COVID will be great,” said Laguerre.

On average, Gateway officials say the entire process takes only about 30 minutes, including an observation period of 15 minutes after receiving the recording.

The Johnson and Johnson vaccine will become more available starting Tuesday and replace Pfizer at the largest vaccine site – Gateway.

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

“It feels great. It was easy,” said Tina Corporan.

Corporan received her Johnson and Johnson vaccine at the downtown library on Sunday.

‘I did it for my husband. He has health issues that worry me and I want to make sure I don’t take it home with him, ”said Corporan.

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