Florida

Here’s how & where medically vulnerable people can receive the COVID-19 vaccine in Florida

ORLANDO, Fla. — Floridians under the age of 65 with certain medical conditions that make them extremely vulnerable to COVID-19 are now able to get vaccinated in the state.

A new order signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis enables licensed physicians, advanced practice registered nurses and pharmacists to vaccinate people “determined by a physician to be extremely vulnerable to COVID-19.”

READ: Gov. DeSantis expands COVID-19 vaccine access to include Floridians deemed ‘extremely vulnerable’

That means people who meet that criteria can receive the vaccine at pharmacies, doctor’s offices and hospitals in Florida. State-run sites are not providing vaccines to medically vulnerable people under age 65 at this point.

Publix has already opened appointments for medically vulnerable people, and Walmart said it should have its portal updated very soon.

According to a list provided to Channel 9 by internal medicine specialist Dr. Aftab Khan, people with the following medical conditions are examples of those who may now be able to qualify for the vaccine.

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  • Down Syndrome
  • Cancer
  • Chronic kidney disease
  • COPD
  • Coronary artery disease
  • Cardiomyopathy
  • Solid organ transplant
  • Obesity
  • History of smoking
  • Type 2 diabetes

READ: COVID-19 vaccination appointments fully booked at Publix for seniors and those deemed ‘extremely vulnerable’ by a doctor

People with these conditions need a note from their doctor to explain why they’re being recommended for the shot. They will be asked to show that note at their appointment.

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Sarah Wilson

Sarah Wilson, WFTV.com

Sarah Wilson joined WFTV Channel 9 in 2018 as a digital producer after working as an award-winning newspaper reporter for nearly a decade in various communities across Central Florida.