First shipment of Johnson & Johnson vaccine arrives in Florida
TAMPA, Fla. - Late Thursday night, the first shipment of the new single-dose Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine arrived in Florida.
Governor Ron DeSantis made the announcement Friday that the state received 175,000 doses. He added that they don't expect to receive any more of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine for two weeks, and said the state is working to determine the demand for it.
The FEMA site in Tampa, which was one of four that opened Wednesday across the state, began administering the vaccine Friday.
"I think it’s a great option for a one-dose vaccine that you don’t have to have a booster for, and you don’t have to have freezing temperatures," DeSantis explained.
RELATED: Walkups now accepted at FEMA vaccination site in Tampa
He appeared at the Polk County Sheriff's Office along with Sheriff Grady Judd, saying they would be vaccinating law enforcement with the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
Judd shot down conspiracy theories about the vaccine and encouraged the public to get the shot as soon as they can.
"The community together can put this pandemic down by putting shots in arms," Judd said. "As this vaccine rolls into the state of Florida, please get your shots because that's when herd immunity kicks in."
Right now, the state of Florida is allowing seniors over the age of 65 to get the vaccine, along with teachers, firefighters, and law enforcement over the age of 50. The FEMA sites, along with commerical pharmacies, have opted to follow federal guidelines instead, which allow teachers, daycare workers, and school staff of any age to be vaccinated.
DeSantis said he plans an announcement "next week" about lowering Florida's minimum age to 60 and eventually to 55.
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