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As of Monday, those 40 and up can now get in line for the vaccine in Florida.

Jacksonville, FL. — On day one, there were hardly any lines at the federally-run site in Brentwood.  

This as the state just upped the number of doses to 3,000 each day.

Last week the federally-run site was administering 500 every day.

A big reason parents got the vaccine Monday is to be able to spend more time with their kids and grandkids.  

“If it’s your time, it’s your time. I had to buckle down. I came earlier and I left and I said well if I’m going to do it, I’m going to do it with my wife,” says Steven Wise, a local pastor at Friendship Baptist Church.

Monday was the first day Wise and his wife Lamonica could get the vaccine.

Despite hesitation, he got the shot because he wants his family all around him when he celebrates his 50th birthday.  

“That was a part of the process for me to do this because I really want to have all my grandkids and kids together that day,” explains Wise.

Mother and grandmother Katherine Morgan is hoping for the same.

“This way we will get back to hugging, touching a little once this is taken care of, so it will be much better.”

To keep families safe post vaccination, local infectious disease specialist Dr. Mohammad Reza says the best thing families can do is keep get togethers and playdates outdoors.  

“Anytime families are going to different places try to plan things outdoors and away from large crowds,” explains Reza.

He adds that the overall risk lowers when adults from different households are all vaccinated.

Morgan says, “Both my daughters have taken it and my son he’s not old enough yet. Him and his wife and his kids when they are, they said they are going to get it done too.”

If planning a vacation, try to book entire homes or apartments,  keep up with good hygiene and mask up around others not vaccinated.

Wise says, “She definitely wants to be around those girls our granddaughters so we are just thankful and we’re happy.”

Reza says parents who have children with underlying conditions such as diabetes and asthma need to be more vigilant.