Gov. DeSantis Lowers Vaccine Age to 18 Effective April 5
Local News Staff 
"I’m pleased to announce that beginning this Monday, March 29, all Floridians age 40 and older will be eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Beginning the following Monday, April 5, all Floridians age 18 and older will be eligible," Gov. Ron DeSantis announced on Thursday.
The state will eliminate the age restriction for the COVID vaccine as of April 5. Meanwhile, as of Monday anyone 40 and older can make an appointment for the vaccine. Starting April 5, anyone 18 and older can apply for an appointment.
"Florida's Senior First vaccine strategy is paying off," DeSantis said in a video announcing the decision. He said more than 3.2 million people 65 and older, or over 70% of the state's seniors, have been vaccinated.
The result of those efforts, DeSantis said, is that "hospitalizations and case rates for seniors have plummeted."
DeSantis has been widely praised for his efforts to balance health protections and keep the state open.
