As of Monday, April 5, all Florida residents 18 and older became eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. 

“I got vaccinated because I wanted to be able to go out more, see friends and hopefully be able to travel,” junior Sandra Kiggen said. “I wasn’t hesitant to get it because I trust science.” 

Individuals 16 and 17–years–old are able to get the Pfizer BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine in Hillsborough County. These residents must have a parent accompanying them or have a consent form signed by the parent. 

“The whole experience was almost surreal, as it finally seems we are seeing the light at the end of the tunnel,” junior Isabella Gonzalez said. “Receiving the vaccine was such a privilege and I am so happy that we are beginning to offer it to young adults.” 

Over 170 million doses of the COVID vaccine have been given across the United States, with over 10 million doses given out in Florida. 

“I’m hopeful that due to millions of Americans being vaccinated that we will soon be able to enjoy the luxuries we had before 2020,” Kiggen said.