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First Coast Connect

Vaccines For Teens; Public Health; Springfield Events; What's Good Wednesday

Covid-19 Vaccine Being Administered
Ted S. Warren
/
Associated Press
Covid-19 Vaccine Being Administered

Young people aged 12-15 have been approved to receive the Pfizer vaccine, but some parents are skeptical about its safety. 

As of right now, Pfizer is the only vaccine that has been approved to vaccinate children in this age group, but Johnson & Johnson has started its extended trials for children. Mobeen Rathore MD, Professor of Pediatrics and Associate Chair and Chief of Infectious Diseases, University Florida College of Medicine, Jacksonville called in to discuss the safety of the COVID-19 vaccine for teenagers.

Chronic Underfunding In Public Health

The pandemic brought attention to just how underfunded public health is. With obesity rates rising, and a deadly pandemic still lingering, the spotlight is on the public health sector. A new report called for a $4.5 billion investment to properly fund public health. Dara Liberman, the Director of Government Relations at Trust for America's Health , joined us to discuss it. 

What's Happening In Springfield

After last year's cancellation, Historic Springfield’s Tour of Homes and Gardens is back. The tour will take place May 15 and 16. Springfield is also hosting UF Health Week, which provides discounts to healthcare workers employed at UF Health at many of their local shops through May 14. Kelly Rich, the Springfield Preservation and Revitalization Director (SPAR), joined us to talk about all this.

 What’s Good Wednesday

  • The Florida Blue Foundation held its annual Sapphire Awards virtually earlier this month. The awards honor both organizations and individuals in the healthcare field, and three of those honored were Jacksonville natives.
  • Wine Women and Shoes is holding a virtual event May 13 from 7:00 pm- 8:00 pm.  Online bidding is currently available. 
  • Front Row From Home will be hosting an online fundraiser May 13 at 7:30 pm. The event will have an online auction, and showcase local Jacksonville talent. 

For more good news delivered right to your inbox, subscribe to our What’s Good Wednesdays newsletter .

Mackenzie Guiry can be reached at newsteam@wjct.org

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Mackenzie Guiry is a senior multimedia journalism major at the University of North Florida. She spent her first two years of college at Florida Atlantic University.