A guide to finding a coronavirus vaccine in Tampa Bay and Florida

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.

Those 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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