FORT MYERS, Fla. — Thursday, Florida’s Surgeon General issued an advisory limiting the covid vaccine to Florida residents only.
People who meet the requirements for the vaccine must now bring proof of residency for their appointments.
State officials say it aims to cut down on vaccine tourism. The non-residents who only travel in for the shot and leave.
"Some come in from other states just to get the vaccine, play a couple rounds of golf, and go home. They’re not seasonal residents. They don’t own property here,” said Michael Wascom, a Collier Co. resident.
He agrees with the vaccine restrictions after struggling to book an appointment for his mom.
According to the Food and Drug Administration, the quantity of vaccines distributed to each state is based off population.
Data from the Florida Department of Health shows 1.1 million people have been vaccinated in the state and 49,000 of those reside outside of Florida.
"I’ve been unable to get a vaccine for my mom anywhere near here so tomorrow we are driving 150 miles and four and a half hours to Ormond Beach, Florida.”
The new vaccine restrictions are to give residents more access to the Covid-19 vaccine. It will include full-time, part-time, and seasonal residents who qualify for the shot.
People will be required to show vaccine providers documented proof of residency, such as a Florida ID, utility bill, or lease agreement.
💉 @HealthyFla has a brand new #COVID19 vaccine locator site. The new site will allow Floridians to find vaccine sites by county or city and contains contact information for each location.
— Florida Dept. Health (@HealthyFla) January 21, 2021
➡️See all locations here - https://t.co/QRbWva3nik
