covid-19 vaccine

The state plans to begin measuring the levels of disease-fighting antibodies in the blood of vaccinated nursing home residents, which could help indicate whether they need a booster shot.

The secretary was in Tampa visiting with health workers and veterans. He says he has a duty to protect VA patients from the powerful delta variant. That's why he's mandating staff get vaccinated against COVID-19.

It's urging universal mask use with children under 12 unable to receive a vaccine and cases rising in Florida.

Mary Mayhew with the Florida Hospital Association says the delta variant is sending thousands of mostly-unvaccinated patients into hospitals around the state. Health workers are feeling the strain.

Brian Lee with Families for Better Care says federal data on nursing home case rates lags and doesn't cover all of Florida's long-term care facilities. He says the state is failing seniors by not resuming daily reports.

The CDC reported more than 16,000 new cases of coronavirus in Florida on Tuesday.

It includes guests who have already received a coronavirus vaccine.

With the CDC updating its mask policies for the upcoming school year, local school districts are restating their policies. Some are also still looking to fill positions.

High levels of community spread and low vaccination rates are putting many nursing homes in Florida at risk for COVID-19 outbreaks. Some facilities are taking extra precautions.

Leon is forcing its employees to be vaccinated or be fired. Meantime, Orange is requiring its nonunion workers to get the shots and Miami-Dade is mandating indoors masks in county buildings.

Tampa Mayor Jane Castor made the plea in a video interview with an emergency room doctor at Tampa General Hospital who reports a sharp increase in the number of younger patients contracting COVID-19.

Providers ranging from Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville to small physicians’ offices are beginning to put requirements in place for staff members to get vaccinated.