Some Florida residents ages 16 to 21 can now receive Pfizer vaccine

DORAL, FL – Pfizer vaccine against the coronavirus will become available for Florida residents ages 16 to 21 with a high-risk medical condition through Nicklaus Children’s Hospital. 

The hospital announced the vaccinations appointments can be scheduled since today, March 8th, in the Hospital’s online portal,reported the Miami Herald. 

Eligible residents must be under the care of a physician or specialist for one or more health conditions considered at risk for severe illness from COVID-19 such as cancer, asthma, cerebrovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, cystic fibrosis, diabetes (type 1 or 2), Down syndrome and hypertension, among other conditions listed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Teenagers and young adults must show up with a parent or legal guardian the day of the appointment with proof of Florida residency and a signed form from their child’s physician confirming that they are being treated for one of the listed conditions. Forms can be downloaded here or at the Florida Department of Health’s website.

The COVID-19 vaccine will be provided to approved Florida residents in the research building on the Nicklaus Children’s Hospital campus near South Miami and Coral Gables located at 3100 SW 62nd Ave. 

Pfizer vaccine is the only one available in the U.S. aimed for people 16 and older. It requires two doses, 21 days apart. Moderna and Johnson and Johnson are only for people 18 and older.

“While most children are only mildly affected by COVID-19, those with complex conditions may be at risk of severe illness if they contract the virus. We are honored to be able to offer the vaccine to support the care of vulnerable children in Florida,” said Matthew A. Love, president and CEO of Nicklaus Children’s Health System to the Miami Herald. 

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