Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is fighting what is known as “vaccine tourism.”
Florida will soon require proof of residency for people receiving COVID-19 vaccines, Gov. Ron DeSantis announced this week.
Starting Wednesday, people applying for vaccines in Seminole County, Florida, will be asked to present their Florida ID or utility bill to get the shot, according to WFTV, affiliated with ABC News Orlando. The new policy, which applies to state-administered vaccination sites, will later be extended to other counties in the state.
“It simply came to our notice then [vaccines] for Florida residents, “DeSantis said during a news conference Tuesday.” You have to live here full time or at least part time. “
The changes come as a result of concerns about “vaccine tourism” following an executive order issued by DeSantis opening vaccination to anyone aged 65 or over, but does not require proof of residence.
The opening of vaccinations led to long queues, some elderly people even camping overnight in lawn chairs, hoping to get vaccinated.
Florida reported 1.6 million cases of COVID-19 and 24,578 deaths from the virus, according to the state Department of Health.
As of Wednesday, Florida distributed 2.5 million vaccines and administered about 1.2 million of them, which translates to 5,773 vaccines administered per 100,000 people, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
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