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HEALTH-VIRUS-US-FLORIDA
Florida to require proof of residence for Covid vaccines
MIAMI, Jan 23, 2021 (BSS/AFP) – Florida will require proof of residence
for those getting a Covid shot in a push to thwart so-called “vaccine
tourism,” a move experts say could also leave thousands of undocumented
immigrants, homeless and low-income people in the lurch.
The decision came after residents of other states and even people from
abroad were reportedly arriving in Florida — which currently vaccinates
anyone over age 65 — with an aim of gaining easier access to immunization.
While the state has administered more than 1.3 million doses, the process has
been slow and chaotic.
In a public advisory issued Thursday, Florida’s Surgeon General Scott
Rivkees indicated that applicants must show proof of residence — such as
driver’s license, utility bill or letter from a bank — in order to be
immunized.
Apart from “snowbirds,” people from northern climes such as New England and
Canada who head to the southern state for the winter, Florida is home to a
substantial population of immigrants — with one in five residents born
abroad.
A study from August by the American Immigration Council showed that around
775,000 undocumented migrants live in Florida, representing about 18 percent
of the immigrant population.
Unable to obtain a Florida driver’s license, many register for public
services under a third party’s name.
“It’s really unfortunate that the consequence of these new regulations is
going to exclude some of the most vulnerable people in our community who are
undocumented people,” said Lily Ostrer, a physician at Jackson Memorial
Hospital.
This creates “a cruel and deliberate barrier,” said Thomas Kennedy, Florida
coordinator for the nonprofit United We Dream.
It not only hinders many Florida residents “including undocumented
immigrants, but also people who lack access to housing or folks who are very
low income from being able to access documentation to get them access to the
vaccine right now,” he said.
BSS/AFP/SSS/0904 hrs