Florida residents 18 and over now eligible for COVID-19 vaccine

NORTHWEST MIAMI-DADE, FLA.  – Vaccine sites are preparing for an influx of Florida residents heading out to get their shot at protection as the state expands eligibility for the COVID-19 vaccine to those 18 and older on Monday.

On the heels of the vaccine expansion, Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava announced that the countywide midnight curfew will be lifted next Monday.

“We are announcing that the curfew will be lifted next Monday, April 12,” she said.

“We considered all of the available data, including the 14-day positivity rate, and also hospitalization from COVID and death rates. These have all declined significantly as vaccinations for the most vulnerable has expanded and our overall vaccination program has progressed,” she said.

7News cameras captured a line of cars outside of the vaccination site at Miami-Dade College’s North Campus before it opened as the minimum age requirement for the vaccine dropped from 40 to 18.

On Tuesday, another big change will go into effect at federally supported sites like the one at MDC North. Moving forward, they will only be administering the one-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

Sixteen and 17-year-olds are also able to get vaccinated as long as they are accompanied by a parent, but only with the Pfizer shot. That means they’ll have to go to one of the other sites still offering it, like Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens.

“If you don’t have a Florida driver’s license or ID card. You can go online and check. It’s all listed there. You can bring something like a deed, a lease, a recent financial statement within two months or a utility bill within two months,” said Jachles.

Victor Perez was among the teens able to get vaccinated.

“Extremely happy,” he said. “We waited in line for two and a half hours, and we’re very excited that I finally got it.”

Luis Vanegas came with his family to get vaccinated.

“It’s like a little insurance, you know?” said Vanegas. “Thank God that we live in a country that we can have stuff like this.”

There are even more signs of progress in the response to the pandemic. The country’s top COVID experts said 3.1 million shots of the vaccine are going into people’s arms across the U.S., and nearly 1 in 3 Americans have received at least one dose.

However, that doesn’t mean we can let our guard down.

“The message remains the same as it’s been all the way through: Do your part, wear a mask, socially distance, get vaccinated when it’s your turn. Period,” said Andy Slavitt, White House senior advisor for COVID response.

FEMA officials said due to the high demand for vaccinations at the MDC North Campus, anyone scheduled to receive their second shot at the site should come later in the day, regardless of the second shot appointment time.

Anyone with questions and concerns about the coronavirus can call the Florida Department of Health’s 24-hour hotline at 1-866-779-6121.