Florida COVID-19 Vaccination Update – November 17th, 2021

Florida COVID-19 Vaccination Update – November 17th, 2021

Bottom Line: Starting last week children five and older became eligible for vaccinations. As I mentioned in my top three takeaways yesterday, it’s safe to say most parents aren’t lining up to have their young children vaccinated against COVID-19. As far as demand goes, boosters continue to be in highest demand of any COVID-19 vaccination type in our state. Floridians are consistently obtaining more COVID-19 booster shots than are obtaining a first or a second dose combined. Last week over 233,000 Floridians obtained a booster compared to about 56k receiving a second dose and 109k who obtained a first dose. In total, nearly two million Floridians have obtained a COVID-19 booster. 

COVID-19 vaccination rates continue to trend above the national average in Florida with the state ranking 21st in overall vaccination rate. Florida’s vaccination rate stands at 70.5% of Florida’s total population, or a level above what we’d previously been told was the threshold for herd immunity.

Here’s an updated look at completed vaccination rates by age (changes vs last week):

• 5-11: 3%
• 12-19: 56% 
• 20-29: 56% (+1)
• 30-39: 66% (+1)
• 40-49: 74% (+1)
• 50-59: 79% (+1)
• 60-64: 85%
• 65+: 90%

As for those obtaining a first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, we’re continuing to see most of them coming from the previously unvaccinated in the workforce. It’s clear the threat of the Biden administration's vaccine mandate continues to impact vaccination decisions. While the current rule is stayed in federal court as legal challenges will determine whether it will lawfully be in force as of January 4th, we’ve seen many in the workforce who’d been on the fence opt for a vaccination as opposed to waiting.

Something I’ve been tracking is the potential impact of the Biden vaccine mandate on Florida’s workforce should the OSHA rule stand and become enforceable in January. 1.68 million Floridians, or 16% of Florida’s total workforce are currently unvaccinated and working for employers with 100 or more employees.