Lack of proof of Florida residency could attract tourists vaccinated against COVID-19

PEMBROKE PARK, Florida – Amid limited supply of COVID-19 vaccines, the lack of proof of Florida residency requirement could attract tourists vaccinated against COVID-19.

Judy Wolff of Fort Lauderdale can’t wait to receive the first dose of the vaccine. The 73-year-old grandmother said she can’t wait to see her grandchildren.

Wolff has been trying to get a date for almost two weeks. She is upset because she knows eight people from New York who travel to South Florida just for the vaccine.

Although these are family and friends, Wolff doesn’t think it’s fair.

“I have the impression that they are stealing our vaccines,” she said.

Governor Ron DeSantis said earlier this week that Florida is a transitional state, so snowbirds, the seasonal travelers who find refuge in South Florida to avoid cold winters at home, shouldn’t have a problem. to access the vaccine if they are 65 years of age or older.

Mireille Gaouette thinks it’s great but she couldn’t get access to the vaccine either. The 75-year-old snowbird from Quebec, Canada, considers Broward County a second home. She has been going back and forth for 23 years.

“We discourage people who come to Florida just to get the vaccine,” DeSantis said.

Wolff said she knew this was not true and that it hurt many seniors who live in Florida.

“Every time I go there it says, ‘Upcoming appointments are full’ and ‘Please try again’, but are there people from New York passing by? Wolff said.

Jackson Health System in Miami-Dade County and Memorial Healthcare System in Broward County require photo ID, but only to verify age requirements.

Local 10 News has a pending request with the Florida Department of Health for data on the number of non-Florida residents who receive the COVID-19 vaccine.