Jackson Health says these 13 medical conditions make you eligible for a COVID vaccine

Michelle Marchante
·2 min read

Starting Tuesday, anyone 55 to 64 with one of 13 medical conditions can schedule a COVID-19 vaccination appointment through Jackson Health System, Miami-Dade County’s public hospital network.

The hospital system is also still offering appointments to seniors 65 and older. Appointments became available shortly before 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, but those slots were only for seniors 65 and older. Appointments for people who are at least 55 with “at risk” conditions are slated to open later in the day.

To check for available slots, visit jacksonhealth.org/keeping-you-safe/

If you missed your shot, Jackson usually tweets appointment availability shortly before the online portal goes live, so your best bet is to follow the hospital’s Twitter account @JacksonHealth and set up a Twitter notification alert on your phone. This way, every time Jackson tweets, you’ll be notified.

If you get a spot, be prepared to show proof of Florida residency, such as a state-issued ID, the day of your appointment.

You will also need to present a signed doctor’s note. The note must have your name on it and say it’s recommended for you to receive the vaccine because you’re being treated for one of 13 conditions identified by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as high-risk for COVID complications. Remember, the note needs to be signed by your physician, list the condition you have and be the original hard copy of the note. A scanned/photo copy of the note that has a clear signature from your physician is also OK, but no emails.

Jackson Health COVID vaccine appointments for medical conditions

Here are the qualifying conditions:

▪ Breast cancer

▪ Cardiomyopathy

▪ Congestive heart failure

▪ Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

▪ Coronary artery disease with bypass

▪ Down Syndrome

▪ End-stage renal failure

People 55 to 64 must show a signed doctor’s note that lists one of 13 medical conditions that are considered to be high risk for COVID complications to be eligible for the vaccine at Jackson Health System.
People 55 to 64 must show a signed doctor’s note that lists one of 13 medical conditions that are considered to be high risk for COVID complications to be eligible for the vaccine at Jackson Health System.

▪ Leukemia

▪ Lung cancer

▪ Lymphoma

▪ Morbid obesity with body mass index greater than 40

▪ Sickle cell disease

▪ Solid organ transplant recipient

Miami Herald staff writer Ben Conarck contributed to this report.

Miami’s Jackson is opening vaccines to high-risk residents 55 and over. Here’s what you need