Floridians age 16 & 17 will soon be eligible for this COVID-19 vaccine

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By Sarah Wilson

ORLANDO, Fla. — Floridians age 16 and older will be eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine on the same day that all adults in the state will get the shots.

The Florida Division of Emergency Management said Friday that people age 16 and older would be eligible to receive the Pfizer vaccine starting on April 5.

READ: Coronavirus: Pfizer, BioNTech begin testing COVID-19 vaccine in children under 12

At this time, the Pfizer vaccine is the only version currently authorized for people under the age of 18.

The announcement comes in addition to news from Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis that all Floridians age 18 and older would be eligible for the vaccine starting April 5.

READ: Coronavirus: Former CDC director says he believes coronavirus originated in Wuhan lab

Before then, on Monday of next week, the eligibility age for the shots will drop to 40 and older across the state.

Click here to watch live updates on Channel 9 Eyewitness News.

READ: Florida reports fourth straight day of 5,000+ new COVID-19 cases

Orange County Convention Center vaccine guide Channel 9 got an up-close look at what to expect when you arrive at the Orange County Convention Center to get your COVID-19 vaccine. (WFTV Staff)

Orange County Convention Center vaccine guide Channel 9 got an up-close look at what to expect when you arrive at the Orange County Convention Center to get your COVID-19 vaccine. (WFTV Staff)

Orange County Convention Center vaccine guide Channel 9 got an up-close look at what to expect when you arrive at the Orange County Convention Center to get your COVID-19 vaccine. (WFTV Staff)

Orange County Convention Center vaccine guide Channel 9 got an up-close look at what to expect when you arrive at the Orange County Convention Center to get your COVID-19 vaccine. (WFTV Staff)

Orange County Convention Center vaccine guide Channel 9 got an up-close look at what to expect when you arrive at the Orange County Convention Center to get your COVID-19 vaccine. (WFTV Staff)

Orange County Convention Center vaccine guide Channel 9 got an up-close look at what to expect when you arrive at the Orange County Convention Center to get your COVID-19 vaccine. (WFTV Staff)

Orange County Convention Center vaccine guide Channel 9 got an up-close look at what to expect when you arrive at the Orange County Convention Center to get your COVID-19 vaccine. (WFTV Staff)

Orange County Convention Center vaccine guide Channel 9 got an up-close look at what to expect when you arrive at the Orange County Convention Center to get your COVID-19 vaccine. (WFTV Staff)

Orange County Convention Center vaccine guide Channel 9 got an up-close look at what to expect when you arrive at the Orange County Convention Center to get your COVID-19 vaccine. (WFTV Staff)