Today, Representatives Lois Frankel (FL-21), Ted Deutch (FL-22), Alcee Hastings (FL-20), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23), Kathy Castor (FL-14), Al Lawson (FL-05), Darren Soto (FL-09), Charlie Crist (FL-13), and Val Demings (FL-10) sent a letter to Governor Ron DeSantis outlining concerns on the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine in the state, and providing recommendations for the distribution process.

The letter recommends the following:

• “Make all vaccine allotment information transparent and immediately accessible to all county health directors. This information is central to more efficiently administering vaccines and evaluating gaps in distribution that could disadvantage vulnerable and underserved communities.

• Deploy public service announcements, including for non-English speakers, to ensure all Floridians have access to important information about the vaccine, including where and to whom doses are being allocated. Provide community health centers, independent pharmacies, homeowner’s associations, religious centers, and other community organizations with clear guidance on the process for developing vaccine distribution partnerships. We stand ready to assist you in disseminating this information.

• Deliver technological guidance and support, as needed, to entities assisting with vaccine distribution to overcome the challenges we have seen with websites and phone lines crashing from surges in vaccine-related inquiries and scheduling.”

The letter continues, “We appreciated meeting with Division of Emergency Management Director Jared Moskowitz recently to discuss how we can best assist the state with vaccine distribution and encourage you to make regular briefings with the congressional delegation a part of your administration’s COVID-19 response and recovery efforts.”

Full text of the letter is available here.

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