DeSantis issued an executive order late Friday afternoon that allows physicians to vaccinate people “extremely vulnerable” to COVID-19. The executive order also will allow others, including pharmacists to provide shots to those under 65 if physicians deem them extremely vulnerable.
Under a Dec. 23 executive order, only hospitals were allowed to vaccinate people considered extremely vulnerable. But the focus of the order was to vaccinate people 65 or older.
DeSantis’ office did not announce the change but posted the executive order on its website.
The order kept unchanged vaccinations for seniors, long-term care facility residents and staff members and health-care workers who have direct patient contact.
Through Saturday, the state’s Department of Health reported 3,017,661 people vaccinated in Florida. More than half – 1,680,230 – completed the two-dose series for the Pfizer or Moderna versions of the vaccine.
Marion County reported 53,089 people vaccinated, with 31,208 finished with the series, according to the DOH.
For weeks, DeSantis blanketed the state promoting vaccinations for seniors, who are more likely to die from COVID-19. Of the 30,852 deaths in Florida, 83%, or 25,761, were 65 or older. Through Saturday, the state had vaccinated 2.29 million people 65 and older.
Friday’s order does not define “extremely vulnerable.” It leaves it to physicians.
The order follows a Feb. 23 move by DeSantis to open vaccinations to teachers and law enforcement officers 50 and older.
While the governor’s action does not include all school employees, it would cover some area teachers.
While new COVID-19 cases in Florida are down, the state reported 1.9 million cases since the pandemic broke.
DeSantis on Friday also issued an executive order extending for 60 days a state of emergency. The original order came on March 9, as COVID-19 began hitting the state.
The Ocala Gazette contributed to this report.
