Tallahassee, Fla. – Today, Governor Ron DeSantis provided an update on Florida’s COVID-19 vaccine distribution efforts, highlighting steps the state is taking to increase vaccinations and put Florida’s Seniors First.

Watch the Governor’s update by clicking the image below or clicking HERE.

Text from Governor DeSantis’ video message as delivered is provided below:

Hi, this is Governor Ron DeSantis.

Florida is putting Seniors First, and we continue to lead the nation in vaccines for those 65 and older, with 70% of our total vaccinations going to seniors.

Not only was Florida the first state in the nation to vaccinate more than 500,000 seniors, but we are rapidly approaching one million vaccines just to seniors.

To highlight this milestone, this morning I joined Henry Sayler, a 100-year-old WWII veteran from St. Pete as he got his first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

A decorated fighter pilot, West Point graduate, former Florida state senator, and friend to presidents, baseball legends and astronauts, Henry’s life is the epitome of the American dream.

Because of Floridians like Henry, we remain laser focused on protecting those most vulnerable to COVID-19 and ensuring that every senior who wants a vaccine, can get a vaccine.

To complete this mission, we continue to open vaccination sites across the state and expand our partnership with Publix Super Markets.

On top of the 242 Publix locations in 18 counties providing vaccinations, we have opened an additional 70 state-supported vaccination sites – including at least one in every county.

And we continue to collaborate with places of worship and community centers to ensure the vaccine is available to diverse populations across our entire state.

Although federal supply remains limited, we will continue to utilize the amount of vaccine the state does have to ensure it reaches our 4.5 million seniors as quickly and efficiently as possible.

And as our state receives additional vaccines from the federal government, we will work to swiftly deploy it to Florida communities.

To all Floridians – we continue to make great progress, and there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

To our seniors – we will continue to put you first.

Thank you, and God Bless.

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