OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — The latest Florida Health Department data show booster shot rates in the state remain low, even though they were recently made available to all adults 18 and older.

In Florida, almost 70% of the Sunshine State’s population got at least their first shot of the coronavirus vaccine, but only 17% of adults have received a booster shot so far. 

“We’re seeing a significant increase in the number of people wanting to get their booster,” Jeremy Lanier, Osceola County Health Department spokesperson, said. “We’ve updated our current website to update who is eligible to get a booster.”

He said they also partnered with local nonprofit organizations like Opportunity Center Inc., a nonprofit that serves adults with special needs, to provide booster shots to those who qualify.

Cecilia Strong, 50, who has special needs, was one of 20 special needs adults who got their booster shot at a vaccination event on Tuesday. The nonprofit transported them to and from the site so they could get their shots.

Strong said she got the Pfizer booster shot before the holidays to protect herself and her loved ones.

“I want to get it so I don’t catch the virus and to try to live more safer and sound,” she said.

She worries what will happen if she gets the virus.

“I haven’t had it — I’ve tested negative seven times, but I had people die from it,” she said.

Kristen Lafferty, the nonprofit’s executive director, said that 45 clients received their booster shots so far.

“Our families of the people we serve and our staff have wanted to protect everyone,” Lafferty said. “We have over 90% of our individuals and staff vaccinated and about 50% have already reached their booster, and we’re hoping to reach that 90% as well.”

The CDC reports so far more than 35 million people nationwide received a booster shot.