Florida lowers vaccine age eligibility to 40, no lines at FEMA site at Valencia College

ORLANDO, Fla. — Monday was a big day in Florida’s vaccination effort against COVID-19. Monday is the first day people age 40 and over can get the vaccine regardless of their medical condition.

Thousands of people across the state as well as at the FEMA vaccination site on the Valencia College West Campus are receiving their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

“We have 3000 doses ready to administer, first doses. And we’ve given over half of those away so far, so there are still doses available,” said Andrea Schuch, vaccination site public information officer.

Coronavirus: Study finds carcinogen benzene in 44 hand sanitizers produced during pandemic

The vaccination site also had 2,500 second doses set for Monday. Despite both first and second doses being administered, lines were not long and moved quickly.

“Actually, pretty quick. A lot quicker than I thought. In and out in probably 30-minutes,” said Bryan Brown, who got vaccinated Monday.

Brown and his fiancé La-Shon are getting married next month and are now planning their honeymoon.

READ: Haven’t received your stimulus check yet? Here are 5 reasons why

Others said it was well worth it for the chance to see their family again.

“It’s a little bit more protection. I’m able to see my grandkids and spend some time with my family. It’s a good thing to do,” said Maria Torres who got vaccinated Monday. “Because today’s the first day for 40-year-olds, I thought we’re going to be about two hours. Yeah, but it actually came out about 15 minutes.”

READ: Trial underway for Derek Chauvin, former officer accused of killing George Floyd

Another development regarding the FEMA vaccination site on the Valencia College West Campus that emerged Monday is that despite initially being set to receive 1,000 first doses starting Tuesday, it has been bumped up to 3,000 doses. Also, the site was set to shut down at the end of next month, but will now remain open until May 26.

Cox Media Group