Community Health Centers throughout Florida are springing into action at a moment's notice following Governor DeSantis's statement that Florida would not participate in the pre-ordering of COVID-19 vaccines for children ages 0-5. Health Centers started working with the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) immediately following the Governor's announcement to increase the pre-order dosage allotment of the vaccine following numerous media reports that families in Florida might be left without options to get their children vaccinated.
"Florida's Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), as we have since the beginning of the pandemic, continue to provide vaccines to Florida's residents, and now that will include the 0-5 years age group. Our Children are the most critical asset we have, and we can ill afford to leave their health to chance," said Andrew Behrman, President & CEO of the Florida Association of Community Health Centers (FACHC). "Florida's Community Health Centers will always be there for all patients, regardless of their ability to pay," he continued."
Undeterred, Health Centers took advantage of an additional opportunity offered by HRSA last Friday to place pre-orders for more doses, allowing the Centers to begin preparations for what many describe as an increased interest in the vaccine from the public. Health Centers encourage parents to contact them directly to discuss any questions regarding their children's vaccination and availability.
To assist the public in finding a Health Center nearest to them, FACHC offers an online locator on their website, www.FACHC.org, where people can search by the Centers' address, a Zip Code, Center name, or county.
# # #

ABOUT THE FLORIDA ASSOCIATION OF COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS
The Florida Association of Community Health Centers is the leading state advocate for Florida's Community Health Centers. For over 50 years, Florida's Community Health Centers have been shaping the future of healthcare for the state's residents by providing community-focused, team-based, comprehensive primary care to those who need it the most – regardless of their ability to pay. More than 1.7 million patients, many of whom are uninsured, rely on Community Health Centers for access to healthcare services they can't receive anywhere else.