Jump to sections:
• The basics
• Bring the right paperwork
• U.S. lifts pause on Johnson & Johnson vaccines
• Where to go for help
• Special accommodations
• Who is eligible for a shot, where?
• Shots in Hillsborough
• Shots in Pinellas
• Shots in Pasco
• Shots in Hernando
• Shots at retail stores
• Shots elsewhere
Updated: May 17, 2021. If you are reading this on our mobile app, click here for an expanded version of this guide.
Finding a coronavirus vaccine requires understanding the state’s patchwork of access points and the eligibility rules for different vaccines.
The Tampa Bay Times has heard from plenty of readers who have questions about their eligibility, as well as how and where to sign up. So, we’ve created a guide detailing every vaccination site we know of in the region’s four core counties.
We’ve also included tips and tricks for snagging an appointment, as well as places you can go for help. Here’s what we know about vaccinations in Tampa Bay.
The basics
Some vaccination sites don’t require appointments. But organizers of those that do have said it’s important you don’t show up early, because it will cause congestion and delay appointments ahead of yours.
Be prepared to wait at least 15 minutes after your shot so you can be monitored for any adverse reactions. And remember: Coronavirus vaccines are free to everyone, regardless of insurance status.
If you receive a vaccine produced by Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna, you must return to get a second dose in three or four weeks to ensure full protection from the coronavirus. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a person is considered fully vaccinated two weeks after their second dose of the vaccines by Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna, or two weeks after the single dose of the vaccine by Johnson & Johnson.
The CDC recently said fully vaccinated people can safely go without masks both outdoors and indoors, with some exceptions.
Bring the right paperwork
It helps to have a photo ID, such as a driver’s license, that shows name and date of birth. Florida recently expanded vaccine access to non-residents who provide “goods and services for the benefits of residents and visitors” of the state. That means showing proof of residency is no longer required, and people can get a shot if they verbally say they live or work in Florida. However, you may still need to provide proof that you are old enough to receive the vaccine.
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Explore all your optionsThose who are 12 to 17 years old can get a Pfizer vaccine, but must bring a parent or guardian with them and have a completed consent form.
Pfizer-BioNTech approved for children as young as 12
The federal government on Wednesday, May 12, approved the use of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for use in children as young as 12. Previously, the vaccine had been approved only under emergency authorization for people as young as 16. Both the Johnson & Johnson and Moderna vaccines are currently approved for people 18 and older.
All three drug makers are studying the use of their vaccines in children, including some as young as six months old.
U.S. lifts pause on Johnson & Johnson vaccines
After an 11-day pause, U.S. health officials said the nation can resume offering one-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine. CDC advisers said the shots must include a warning on a rare risk of blood clots for younger women to decide on the shot or use two-dose options from others, the Associated Press reported. The federal government found, out of 8 million patients, 15 women with a very rare blood clot nationwide. Most were under 50. The AP reports that three died, and seven were hospitalized as of April 23. Scientific advisers say the benefit of coronavirus protection outweighs the small blood clot risk. Florida’s vaccine sites had paused use of J&J, instead offering Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines, but is now resuming using J&J.
The Florida Division of Emergency Management said that it updated its COVID-19 consent & screening form with new language in the immunization screening guidance section to comply with recently issued guidance from the federal government. It also said site staff at the Tampa Greyhound Track and other federally supported vaccine sites that are using Johnson & Johnson have gotten additional training based on the federal guidance.
Those that have already received a Johnson & Johnson vaccine do not necessarily need to worry. The reported adverse reactions are extremely rare. Anyone who experiences medical issues they believe are tied to any of the coronavirus vaccines should report them to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System, a national tracking database.
Where to go for help
Seniors:
The Senior Connections Center has various ways to help seniors find shots, and it’s working with local agencies to identify vulnerable homebound seniors who need to be vaccinated at home.
Counselors with SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) are hosting virtual presentations that explain Medicare coverage related to COVID-19 and coronavirus vaccines. They have the most up-to-date information on how and where to sign up for shots.
Seniors who need assistance or a connection to other resources can call the center’s Elder Helpline at 1-800-963-5337 or visit SeniorConnectionCenter.org.
Libraries:
Public libraries are a good place to go if you need a computer to use to sign up for a shot. Information on Pasco County libraries can be found here. Pinellas libraries are here, Hillsborough libraries are here and Hernando libraries are here. All five Clearwater libraries have computers available for people to use to register for vaccination. Hours and locations can be found here. For more information, call 727-562-4970.
Special accommodations
Homebound residents:
If you are homebound and unable to travel to get a vaccine, you can contact the Florida Division of Emergency Management to get on a list for vaccination at home. Email HomeboundVaccine@em.myflorida.com to receive a survey that will determine your eligibility.
Homebound veterans:
Florida veterans who are homebound should fill out the form at floridavets.org/homeboundveterans or call 850-487-1533, extension 9, to make an appointment for home vaccination.
Transportation for Medicaid recipients:
If you have Medicaid, you can get a free ride to and from your vaccine appointment. Once your shot is scheduled, call your health plan provider to get the name and phone number for your transportation service. If you are not in a health plan, call the Medicaid help line at 1-877-254-1055 to be connected with a transportation service.
You should schedule your ride at least three business days before your appointment, and be prepared to provide the following information: full name; Medicaid identification number; addresses of pickup and drop off locations; date of birth; name of health plan (if you are enrolled in one); date and time of your appointment; and your phone number.
You may have someone travel with you if it is medically necessary. Be sure to call the transportation service if your appointment is canceled or rescheduled.
Other accommodations:
Tampa Bay has one stationary vaccination site that is supported by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, located at the Tampa Greyhound Track, 755 E Waters Ave.
The site can accommodate people with sensory issues and disabilities. There is an American Sign Language interpreter on site at all times, as well as translation services for non-English speakers.
Who is eligible for a shot, where?
As of April 5, all people 18 and older are eligible to receive any of the three vaccines approved for emergency use by the Food and Drug Administration. As of May 12, those who are as young as 12 are eligible to receive the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, the only one approved for that age group.
Note that who can be vaccinated can still vary from site to site, depending on the type of vaccine offered there. You do not have to be vaccinated in your own county.
Some sites require appointments, so make sure you check and register before showing up to a vaccine site. Others do not and take walk-ups. The vaccines available at each site can vary.
Here’s a breakdown of who can get shots, where, and other details to know:
Shots in Hillsborough
Both Hillsborough County and the county health department are working to keep updated information on their website on where to get shots. It’s often a good idea to check there for updates.
FEMA vaccine site
Location: The Tampa Greyhound Track, 755 E. Waters Ave., Tampa
Eligible: People 18 and older
Hours: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily at the Tampa Greyhound Track
Appointments: Not required; for second doses, vaccination card must show you are due for second dose.
Vaccine offered: The site is again offering Johnson & Johnson doses as of April 25. Anyone who got first-dose Pfizer-BioNTech shots at the site can still get their second doses at this location. The site is expected to close May 26.
Required documents: Identification; if applicable, vaccine card showing you are due for your second shot
More information: floridadisaster.org/covid19/vaccine/
Raymond James Stadium
Location: 4201 N Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa
Eligible: People 12 and older
Hours: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily
Appointments: No appointment required
Vaccine offered: Pfizer-BioNTech
Required documents: Proof of age; CDC vaccination card (for second-dose appointments only)
More information: floridadisaster.org/covid19/vaccine/#shillsborough
Children’s Board
Location: 1002 E. Palm Ave., Tampa
Eligible: People 12 and older
Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday (except for the fourth Thursday of each month, and May 14)
Appointments: walk-up, no appointment required. Limited supply available.
Vaccine offered: Pfizer-BioNTech
Required documents: Proof of age; CDC vaccination card (for second-dose appointments only)
More information: https://www.hillsboroughcounty.org/en/residents/public-safety/covid-19-vaccine/state-vaccinations
Port of Tampa Bay
Location: Cruise Terminal 6, 1331 McKay St., Tampa
Eligible: People 12 and older
Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily
Appointments: not required
Vaccine offered: Pfizer-BioNTech and Johnson & Johnson
More information: http://hillsborough.floridahealth.gov/newsroom/2021/05/covid-19-vaccine-information-05-11-2021.html
County health department
Location: Palm River Park, 725 S. 58th St., Tampa
Note: People scheduled to receive their second doses at a different county-run site, such as the Larry Sanders Sports Complex, are now directed to go to this location for their second shots.
Eligible: People 12 and older
Hours: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday
Appointments: Update: No appointment is necessary anymore, according to the Hillsborough County website. It still recommends creating an account through patientportalfl.com, but says it is not required.
Vaccine offered: Pfizer-BioNTech
Required documents: proof of age; if applicable, vaccination card that was provided after first dose
More information: hillsboroughcounty.org/en/residents/public-safety/covid-19-vaccine/county-vaccinations
Tampa Family Health Centers
Location: Different locations depending on day. See website for details.
Eligible: People 18 years of age or older
Hours: Depends on day and location; drive-through vaccine events will move to different locations depending on day. Walk-in locations available 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, pending availability, at 5611 Sheldon Road in Tampa, 7608 Causeway Blvd. in Tampa and 8108 N. Nebraska Ave. in Tampa.
Appointments: No appointment necessary at walk-in locations; some vaccine events require an appointment. Call 813-397-5300 to schedule an appointment.
Vaccine offered: Moderna, unless otherwise specified
Required documents: proof of age
More information: tampafamilyhc.com/covid-19-updates2
Tampa VA
Location: USF Yuengling Center parking lot, as well as several outpatient clinics, although locations and hours depend on the week. See Tampa VA website for more information.
Eligible: For the Yuengling Center site: community members who meet Florida eligibility guidelines and are: a family member of a veteran or VA employee or veterans who have applied for VA benefits and are not currently eligible for care/benefits with the VA
Hours: For the week of May 9-15, vaccines will be available at the USF Yuengling Center from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday; walk-ins available for veterans
Vaccines offered: Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson
Appointments: For USF Yuengling Center: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/tampa-va-32699669541
More information: https://www.tampa.va.gov/services/covid-19-vaccines.asp
Homebound residents
Hillsborough residents who are elderly, without transportation or have disabilities that make it difficult for them to travel for shots can request in-home vaccination at mymobilevax.com.
Shots in Pinellas
County health department
Locations: Starting May 17, the health department will begin offering vaccines by appointment at its St. Petersburg and Clearwater centers on Mondays, Wednesday and Fridays and at its mid-county center on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The Pinellas Park location will reopen after May 24.
Eligible: People 12 and older
Hours: appointment required
Appointments: Call 727-824-6931 (no longer using CDR Maguire)
Vaccine offered: Pfizer-BioNTech
Required documents: Photo ID with name and date of birth, proof of appointment
More information: covid19.pinellascounty.org/vaccines/
Suncoast YMCA
Location: 950 S. Highland Ave., Clearwater
Hours: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily
Appointments: Appointments not required, but you can pre-register at: commvax.patientportalfl.com
More information: https://covid19.pinellascounty.org/vaccines/
Community Health Centers of Pinellas, Inc.
Locations: Johnnie Ruth Clarke Center, 1344 22nd St. S, St. Petersburg; Clearwater center, 707 E Druid Road; Pinellas Park center, 7550 43rd St. N, Pinellas Park
Eligible: People 18 and older
Hours: Check website.
Appointments: You can request an appointment or get on the wait list here.
Vaccine offered: Moderna
Required documents: proof of age, insurance card if insured.
More information: chcpinellas.org/about-links/all-services/covid-19-vaccines
Shots in Pasco
Department of Health in Pasco County
Locations: Dade City clinic, 13941 15th St. in Dade City; New Port Richey clinic, 10841 Little Road in New Port Richey (locations at The Gulf View Square Mall and St. Leo University only offering second-dose appointments now)
Eligible: People 18 and older
Hours: appointment required; 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at Dade City clinic; 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays at New Port Richey clinic
Appointments: Register at patientportalfl.com; appointments open each Sunday at 2 p.m. Contact CDR Maguire at 1-844-770-8548 for assistance.
Vaccine offered: Moderna
Required documents: proof of age, as well as proof of appointment
More information: http://pasco.floridahealth.gov/newsroom/2021/03/VaccinationAnnouncement.html
Shots in Hernando
Department of Health in Hernando
Location: 7551 Forest Oaks Blvd., Spring Hill
Eligible: People aged 18 and older
Hours: appointment required
Appointments: all COVID-19 vaccine appointments must be made by phone, by calling 352-540-6800 and choosing option 7. Phone calls are accepted only on Mondays and Tuesdays for a vaccine appointment scheduled for that same week. (No longer using CDR Maguire web portal.)
Vaccine offered: Moderna
Required documents: Proof of age, such as a driver’s license
More information: hernando.floridahealth.gov/
Pine Brook Pharmacy
Location: 14111 Cortez Blvd., Brooksville; 10507 Spring Hill Drive, Spring Hill; 11373 Cortez Blvd., Brooksville
Eligible: People 18 and older
Hours: Available while stores are open; walk-ins available 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday
Appointments: Register at pinebrookpharmacy.com. Call 352-397-4302.
Vaccine offered: Moderna
Required documents: Proof of age, such as a driver’s license.
More information: pinebrookpharmacy.com
Shots at retail stores
Publix
Locations: Publix pharmacies throughout the state
EIigible: People aged 18 and older
Hours: By appointment; also accepting walk-in customers
Appointments: Sign up available online at publix.com/covid-vaccine/florida. Online appointments encouraged but not required.
Vaccine offered: Moderna and Johnson & Johnson
Required documents: Medicare members should bring their red, white and blue Medicare Part B card. Customers without health insurance will need to provide their driver’s license or Social Security number.
More information: publix.com/covid-vaccine/florida
CVS
Locations: 835 locations throughout the state
Eligible: People aged 12 and older
Hours: Now accepting walk-in appointments, no appointment necessary
Appointments: Online at cvs.com/covidvaccine or by calling customer service at 800-746-7287
Vaccines offered: Varies. 640 locations offering the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine.
Required documents: Bring a driver’s license or other ID and an insurance card if you have one in case it’s requested. Individuals must affirm they meet eligibility requirements as part of the online scheduling process.
More information: cvs.com/immunizations/covid-19-vaccine
Walgreens
Locations: Locations throughout the state
Eligible: People 12 and older
Hours: Walk-ups accepted, or by appointment.
Appointments: Visit Walgreens.com/ScheduleVaccine or call 1-800-WALGREENS
Vaccines: Moderna, Pfizer-BioNTech and Johnson & Johnson
Required documents: An ID confirming identity
More information: walgreens.com/findcare/vaccination/covid-19
Walmart
Locations: Walmart and Sam’s Club locations across Florida
Eligible: People aged 16 and older
Hours: Both walk-up and prescheduled appointments available during pharmacy hours
Appointments: Online at walmart.com/COVIDvaccine or samsclub.com/covid
Required documents: Identification; medical health care insurance card, if you have one, and pharmacy card if different from insurance card
More information: walmart.com/COVIDvaccine or samsclub.com/covid
Winn-Dixie
Locations: Winn-Dixie, Fresco y Más and Harveys Supermarket pharmacies
Eligible: People 12 and older
Hours: By appointment and walk-up (appointments no longer required)
Appointments: Online at winndixie.com/pharmacy/covid-vaccine, harveyssupermarkets.com/pharmacy/covid-vaccine and frescoymas.com/pharmacy/covid-vaccine
Required documents: ID; insurance card.
More information: winndixie.com/pharmacy/covid-vaccine
Shots elsewhere
The University of Florida’s athletic department is working with UF Health and the local health department to administer vaccines at various locations, including Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. The school plans to inoculate up to 5,000 people per day, reaching for a goal of 20,000 per week, a news release said. All eligible Floridians are welcome.
Florida A&M University is administering shots at its Alfred Lawson Jr. Multipurpose Center at 1800 Wahnish Way, Tallahassee. The site is open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. each day, and appointments are not required.
Also in Tallahassee, Florida State University is distributing vaccines at the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center, according to its website. The center is at 505 W. Pensacola St.
Valencia College’s West Campus in Orlando is administering vaccines, according to a tweet by Orange County government. The site at 1800 S Kirkman Road is open every day from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and no appointment is required.
Saint Leo University started offering Moderna vaccines to all students and employees 18 and older on Tuesday, April 6. Shots are distributed inside the parking garage beneath Turf Field on the campus at 33701 State Road 52, Saint Leo, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The school said the best time to arrive is in the morning or after lunch, and that students and employees from all Saint Leo’s 12 locations in Florida, as well as those attending online, are eligible.
Bay Pines VA
Location: C.W. Bill Young Medical Center, Lee County VA Healthcare Center in Cape Coral, and all of the community based outpatient clinics; also hosting some offsite clinics (see website for details on locations and times)
Eligible: Veterans, their spouses and caregivers, and recipients of Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs benefits
Hours: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday; both appointments and walk-ups; days and times of pop-up events varies (see website)
Vaccines offered: Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson
Appointments: call 727-395-2400; can sign up to be contacted when local VA has a dose available by going to https://www.va.gov/health-care/covid-19-vaccine/sign-up/introduction
More information: https://www.baypines.va.gov/BAYPINES/services/covid-19-vaccines.asp
Pop-up vaccine sites
Both the state and individual counties have been organizing pop-up vaccination sites, often at churches, community centers or retirement communities. Times, locations and details vary.
For more information on upcoming state-supported pop-up vaccine sites at places of worship, go to floridadisaster.org/covid19/vaccine/.
Hospitals and doctors
Some hospitals and health care systems are continuing to get some vaccine doses, although amounts vary by location, as do how the shots are being doled out. The state has also begun sending coronavirus vaccine doses to doctor’s offices, meaning some patients will be able to obtain shots from their own medical providers.
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