COVID-19 Updates
Important Updated Information about COVID-19 (Coronavirus):
CDC and FDA clear the way for COVID vaccines for kids under 5
For Immediate Release:
Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration authorized emergency use of the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine and the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine for the prevention of COVID-19 to include use in children down to 6 months of age.
- For the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine, the FDA amended the emergency use authorization (EUA) to include use of the vaccine in individuals 6 months through 17 years of age. The vaccine had been authorized for use in adults 18 years of age and older.
- For the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine, the FDA amended the EUA to include use of the vaccine in individuals 6 months through 4 years of age. The vaccine had been authorized for use in individuals 5 years of age and older.
Key points:
- The FDA’s evaluation and analysis of the safety, effectiveness and manufacturing data of these vaccines was rigorous and comprehensive, supporting the EUAs.
- The agency determined that the known and potential benefits of the Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccines outweigh the known and potential risks in the pediatric populations authorized for use for each vaccine.
- Prior to making the decision to authorize these vaccines for the respective pediatric populations, the FDA’s independent Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee was consulted and voted in support of the authorizations.
Read More: fda.gov/emergency-preparedness-and-response/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/covid-19-vaccines
Disability Rights Florida (DRF) has joined other disability service providers across the country to encourage vaccinations among older adults and people with disabilities through education, connection to available services and removing barriers to accessible vaccines. Through a grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), in partnership with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Administration for Community Living (ACL), DRF will help individuals with disabilities, their families and direct care providers by offering:
- Assistance with scheduling vaccination appointments
- Arrange accessible transportation to a vaccination appointment
- Provide a reminder for a second vaccination appointment
- Connection to in-home vaccination options
- Answer questions regarding COVID-19 vaccinations
Accessible Vaccination Sites
DRF will be partnering with local health departments and other disability service providers to hold fully accessible vaccination pop-up sites in various rural communities throughout the state of Florida.
The sites will feature:
- ADA compliant locations
- In-person American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters
- Helpful staff and volunteers to accommodate all disabilities
- Vaccinations administered by your local Health Department
- Proof of disability is not necessary
- Two dose or one dose vaccine options available
COVID-19 Vaccine Assistance for Floridians with Disabilities (Source: disabilityrightsflorida.org/disability-topics/disability_topic_info/covid_19_vaccine_assistance_for_floridians_with_disabilities)
ASL Video COVID-19 Vaccine Assistance for Floridians with Disabilties (Source: youtube.com/watch?v=e1vqbnFpFa8&list=TLGGIfILfOX06rowMjA0MjAyMg
If you have any questions, need help finding a vaccine, or any other COVID-19 questions, please contact our office for assistance:
850-595-5566 (office)
Sorenson VRS: 850-208-3106
Relay: 711
Email: info@cilnwf.org
Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Link
Florida Department of Health Link
COVID-19 virus continues to evolve. CIL of Northwest Florida is committed to developing ways to provide services for people with disabilities in the safest, most efficient manner possible. We understand there are needs in our community that is not being met and we are working to close that gap.
In the meantime, the CIL of Northwest Florida staff will continue our current operating method of not meeting with consumers in our office. We will be managing day to day activities by appointment and remotely during our normal business hours, 8:00 am – 4:00 pm. You can reach us by calling 850-595-5566 or by email at info@cilnwf.org.
We will do everything we can to assist individuals with urgent matters in a timely manner. Thank you everyone for helping our communities stay safe and healthy during these difficult times.
For more information on COVID-19 and Disability link to Southeast ADA Center for Disability and Covid-19
Featured Links & Updates
- Vaccination Policy and COVID-19
- Long COVID
- American Sign Language (ASL) and COVID-19
- The ADA and Face Mask Policies (updated on a continuous basis)
Source: Southeast ADA Center
For more information from Disability Rights Florida COVID-19 Resources (Source: disabilityrightsflorida.org/disability-topics/category/covid_19)
Update by County
