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

Updated: April 7. 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.

Still, experts say you should continue to wear masks and social distance after vaccination unless all those around you have also been vaccinated. The CDC recently said it is safe for fully vaccinated people to gather without masks indoors and travel in the U.S. without getting tested for the coronavirus or getting tested afterward.

Bring the right paperwork

Make sure you bring a photo ID, such as a Florida driver’s license, that shows your name and date of birth. If your license was issued elsewhere and doesn’t prove your status as a Florida resident, bring a document — a utility bill, deed or rental agreement — that confirms you live in the state.

It’s also important to have proof of your vaccine appointment. This can be a printed copy or a screenshot of your confirmation.

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.

Signing up with county health departments:

Here are instructions for scheduling an appointment at patientportalfl.com, which is managed by CDR Maguire and used for appointments facilitated by county health departments in Pinellas, Hillsborough, Pasco and Hernando:

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. Those who are 16 and 17 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, but you likely do have to show state residency.

Most 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, as of April 5, and other details to know:

Shots in Hillsborough

FEMA vaccine sites

Locations: Tampa Greyhound Track, 755 E. Waters Ave., Tampa, and two smaller mobile vaccination sites that move every three to seven days. (One mobile site will be at the Plant City Stadium, 1810 S Park Road, Plant City, from April 5 to April 7, then will move to CityLife Church, 8411 N Dale Mabry Highway in Tampa, from April 8 through April 10 and then to Larry Sanders Sports Complex, 5855 S 78th St. in Tampa, from April 11 through April 13. Another mobile site will be at Walker Road Park, 1035 Walker Road, Lakeland, from April 1 through April 7, and then will relocate to the Oakland Community Center in Haines City, 1008 Avenue D.)

Eligible: Florida residents 18 and older

Hours: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily at the Tampa Greyhound Track; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the satellite sites; sites are tentatively scheduled to shut down May 26, according to Kevin Watler with the Hillsborough County health department.

Appointments: Only for second doses; you can use the state’s pre-registration system, myvaccine.fl.gov, or call 866-200-3896. The Tampa Greyhound Track will have about 3,000 first-dose vaccines available each day this week.

Vaccine offered: Johnson & Johnson

Required documents: Identification

More information: floridadisaster.org/covid19/vaccine/

Raymond James Stadium

Location: 4201 N Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa

Eligible: Florida residents 16 and older

Hours: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily

Appointments: No appointment required

Vaccine offered: Pfizer-BioNTech

Required documents: Proof of age; proof of residency; appointment confirmation/QR code; 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: Florida residents 16 and older

Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday (except for the fourth Thursday of each month, including April 16 and May 14)

Appointments: walk-up, no appointment required. Limited supply available.

Vaccine offered: Pfizer-BioNTech

Required documents: Proof of age; proof of residency; appointment confirmation/QR code; CDC vaccination card (for second-dose appointments only)

More information: https://www.hillsboroughcounty.org/en/residents/public-safety/covid-19-vaccine/state-vaccinations

County health department

Locations: Vance Vogel Sports Complex, 13012 Bullfrog Creek Road, Gibsonton; Ed Radice Sports Complex, 14720 Ed Radice Drive, Tampa; TPepin’s Hospitality Centre, 4121 N 50th St., Tampa

Eligible: Florida residents 16 and older

Hours: By appointment only

Appointments: Create an account through patientportalfl.com

Vaccine offered: Pfizer-BioNTech

Required documents: proof of age and residency, such as a government-issued ID

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: Florida residents 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 and 7608 Causeway Blvd. in Tampa.

Appointments: No appointment necessary

Vaccine offered: May vary

Required documents: proof of residency and age

More information: tampafamilyhc.com/covid-19-updates2

Tampa VA

Location: USF Yuengling Center parking lot

Eligible: Community members who meet Florida eligibility guidelines and are: veterans who are not VA patients, family members of any veteran (whether a VA patient or not), or family members of VA employees

Appointments: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/tampa-va-32699669541

More information: http://hillsborough.floridahealth.gov/

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 from April 11 through April 20. More information can be found here.

Shots in Pinellas

County health department

Location: St. Petersburg, Largo, Pinellas Park with locations revealed after registration

Eligible: Florida residents 18 and older (16 and older for Pfizer-BioNTech)

Hours: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays; appointment required

Appointments: Register at patientportalfl.com or call 844-770-8548; new appointments open each week as doses become available

Vaccine offered: primarily Pfizer-BioNTech

Required documents: Photo ID with name and date of birth, proof of Florida residency, proof of appointment, vaccine consent form given during scheduling

More information: 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: Florida residents 18 and up

Hours: Pop-up events are scheduled for March 30, 1-4 p.m.; March 31, 1-4 p.m.; April 1, 1-4 p.m.; and April 3, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Check website for future pop-up times, as they change week to week. Note that sites could reach capacity before the time they are scheduled to close.) Appointment requests can be made online.

Appointments: Pop-up clinics are walk-up only and no appointment is needed. Or you can request an appointment here. The clinic is offering Moderna vaccines.

Required documents: Proof of Florida residency (such as driver’s license), proof of age, insurance card if insured.

More information: chcpinellas.org/about-links/all-services/covid-19-vaccines

Shots in Pasco

Sears Auto Center at Gulf View Square Mall

Location: 9409 U.S. 19 in Port Richey

Eligible: Florida residents 18 and older

Hours: Tuesday and Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; appointment required

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 residency and age, as well as proof of appointment

More information: pasco.floridahealth.gov/programs-and-services/infectious-disease-services/COVID-19/covid-19-vaccination-faqs.html

St. Leo University

Location: 33701 State Road 52 in St. Leo

Eligible: Florida residents 18 and older

Hours: Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; appointment required

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 and residency, as well as proof of appointment

More information: pasco.floridahealth.gov/programs-and-services/infectious-disease-services/COVID-19/covid-19-vaccination-faqs.html

Shots in Hernando

Hernando County Fairgrounds

Location: 6436 Broad St., Brooksville

Eligible: Florida residents 18 and older

Hours: April 6-9, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; appointment required

Appointments: Register at patientportalfl.com. Contact CDR Maguire at 1-844-770-8548 for assistance.

Vaccine offered: Moderna

Required documents: Proof of age and residency, 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: Florida residents 18 and older

Hours: Available while stores are open, hours vary by location; appointment required

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: 730 Publix pharmacies throughout the state

EIigible: Florida residents 18 and older

Hours: By appointment only.

Appointments: Sign up only available online at publix.com/covid-vaccine/florida. Scheduling opportunities for Johnson and Johnson vaccine appointments open at 7 a.m. on Wednesdays. Registration for Moderna vaccine appointments opens at 7 a.m. on Fridays.

Vaccine offered: Moderna and Johnson & Johnson, depending on availability

Required documents: If applicable, state of Florida form signed by physician; 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: Nearly 200 locations throughout the state, including in Clearwater, Palm Harbor, Pinellas Park, Plant City, Tampa and St. Petersburg. See CVS site for all locations.

Eligible: Florida residents 16 and older

Hours: By appointment only

Appointments: Online at cvs.com/covidvaccine or by calling customer service at 800-746-7287

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: More than 200 of its stores across Florida

Eligible: Florida residents 18 and older

Hours: By appointment only

Appointments: Visit Walgreens.com/ScheduleVaccine or call 1-800-WALGREENS

Required documents: An ID confirming identity

More information: walgreens.com/findcare/vaccination/covid-19

Walmart

Locations: More than 125 Walmart and Sam’s Club locations across Florida

Eligible: People aged 16 and older

Hours: By appointment only

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: Select Winn-Dixie, Fresco y Más and Harveys Supermarket pharmacies

Eligible: Florida residents 16 and older

Hours: By appointment only

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 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 at the site.

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. A total of 200 shots are given out each day.

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.

Nova Southeastern University’s Fort Lauderdale/Davie campus is a vaccination site for employees and students 18 and older. Appointments can be made online with a Nova login.

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.

The University of Central Florida opened a mass vaccination clinic in its Pegasus Ballroom on April 7, offering the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine to about 6,000 students who live in the Orlando area. The clinic will run through April 9, and students can sign up through the UCF Mobile app.

The University of North Florida was offering Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines to students, faculty and staff April 6-7 at the UNF Field House. All appointments had already been filled by Monday morning. The school was encouraging others seeking shots to visit a nearby drive-through site at Celebration Church, 9555 RG Skinner Parkway, Jacksonville, where no appointment is required.

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

Eligible: All veterans regardless of whether they are enrolled in VA medical care, and their families

Appointments: call 727-395-2400

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 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.

Reporter Ileana Najarro contributed to this report.

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