By: Alice Su

Florida allowed the distribution of the vaccine to young children on Friday, June 17th, due to the pressing of government and medical officials. Florida’s decision had been pushed heavily onto them, as they were the only state that did not allow shots to those under five. This change will now let vaccinations be available at doctors’ offices, helping keep families with small children safe.

This decision had already been made on Thursday due to the experts of the C.D.C (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). They provided justification for administering the vaccine. Dr. Ashish K. Jha, in the New York Times, the White House’s Covid response coordinator says, “The state of Florida intentionally missed multiple deadlines to order vaccines to protect its youngest kids.” Because of this, physicians had to order the vaccinations themselves, through an online portal between the federal government and doctors. According to the New York Times, Dr. Lisa Gwynn, though in contact with the Florida Health Department, was not notified that doctors would be able to order vaccines after the confirmation of the F.D.A (Food and Drug Administration). “I’ve been back and forth, in touch with the people in the agency. They’re not telling me this,” she said. The development caused a delay in the portal’s opening, which was previously closed. Finally, the portal was accessible on Friday, letting doctors order all the needed vaccinations.

As for why Florida was so against the vaccination of very young children, Ron Desantis, as stated in the New York Times, replied to that question, “I would say we are affirmatively against the Covid vaccine for young kids. These are the people who have zero risk of getting anything.” The White House is pleased with the decision; however, Mr. Desantis still believes that children under five should not get the shot. He only allowed the vaccine’s distribution because the Food and Drug Administration and experts from the C.D.C endorsed and authorized it.