JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (WTXL) — Gov. Ron DeSantis said Monday that Florida's efforts to get the vaccine to all seniors at long-term care facilities will come full circle by the end of the month.
Speaking at the River Garden Hebrew House for the Aged in Jacksonville, DeSantis said all residents and staff members at long-term care facilities in Florida will have been offered a COVID-19 vaccine by the end of January.
"This was an important mission," DeSantis said. "The top priority for vaccinations should be staff and residents of long-term care facilities. That has been where we've seen the greatest mortality."
According to the latest numbers from the Florida Department of Health, 1,379,502 people have received the coronavirus vaccine in the Sunshine State.
DeSantis said that the supply of vaccines is limited and said that the state would only be receiving about 226,100 doses between Monday and Tuesday, which could mean shortages.
Still, the governor said protecting the most vulnerable populations is the priority.
“We have done more senior vaccinations, 65 and up, than any other state in the country. And it’s not even close,” DeSantis said. “Almost 70 percent of every shot given in Florida so far has gone to a senior citizen, and that number is going to continue to grow.”
CVS and Walgreens pharmacies, along with state strike teams, have been administering the COVID-19 vaccine to residents and staff members at long-term care facilities since December.
The conference was streamed live on ABC 27's Facebook page and website. You can watch the full press conference below.
