Here’s where kids 12 and older can get a COVID-19 shot in Tampa Bay

Vaccine providers are starting to roll out Pfizer-BioNTech coronavirus vaccines to children as young as 12 following federal approval for that age group this week.

Previously, the vaccine had been approved only under emergency authorization for people as young as 16.

But not every pharmacy or COVID-19 vaccination site offers the Pfizer shot, and both the Johnson & Johnson and Moderna vaccines are approved only for people 18 and older. Publix, for instance, offers Moderna and Johnson & Johnson but not Pfizer.

That may make it more difficult right now to find a COVID-19 shot for people aged 12 to 17 in some counties.

All COVID-19 vaccine shots are free, regardless of brand.

The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is a two-dose regimen, with a second dose recommended three weeks after the first. Children must bring a parent or legal guardian with them to get vaccinated.

Here are some places to look for vaccines for children ages 12 to 17:

CVS: The retail pharmacy chain announced Wednesday that it was offering coronavirus vaccine appointments for kids as young as 12 at 640 of its pharmacies that are offering the Pfizer shot. A spokeswoman said patients can find out which stores have the Pfizer doses available by using the online scheduling tool at cvs.com/covidvaccine. CVS offers both walk-ins and appointments for the vaccines.

Raymond James Stadium, lot 14: The state-supported vaccine site offers Pfizer shots and is now accepting minors as young as 12, according to the Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County. It’s open daily from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. at 4201 N Himes Ave. in Tampa. No appointment needed.

Children’s Board: This state-supported site is also offering Pfizer shots to kids as young as 12. It’s open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, although it’s closed Friday, May 14, as well as the fourth Thursday of each month. It’s located at 1002 E Palm Ave. in Tampa. No appointment needed.

Port Tampa Bay Cruise Terminal 6: Located at 1331 McKay St. in Tampa, this new vaccination location is open daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., with no appointment needed.

Larry Sanders Sports Complex: This county-run drive-through (vehicle required) is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. today and Friday, with no appointment required. The county recommends that you create an account in advance at patientportalfl.com. It’s located at 5855 S 78th St., Tampa.

Palm River Park: Beginning May 17, Hillsborough County is consolidating its COVID-19 vaccination operations to a single location at Palm River Park, 725 S. 58th St. in Tampa. No appointment will be necessary at this indoor walk-in site, which will be open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays.

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Walgreens: Locations offering the Pfizer vaccine can now vaccinate children as young as 12. A spokesperson did not respond to a question about how residents can determine whether a store near them offers Pfizer. Walgreens accepts both walk-ins and appointments for COVID-19 vaccines. To make an appointment, visit Walgreens.com/ScheduleVaccine or call 1-800-WALGREENS.

Winn-Dixie, Fresco y Más and Harveys Supermarket pharmacies: Winn-Dixie’s website now says the Pfizer vaccine is available for children as young as 12. A spokesman for parent company Southeastern Grocers urged customers to be patient “while we adjust to the evolving eligibility criteria.” Both walk-ins and appointments are accepted for COVID-19 shots at these stores. Appointments can be made online at winndixie.com/pharmacy/covid-vaccine, harveyssupermarkets.com/pharmacy/covid-vaccine and frescoymas.com/pharmacy/covid-vaccine.

Florida Department of Health in Pinellas County: The department has begun scheduling appointments for COVID-19 vaccinations for kids as young as 12. Vaccines are being provided in St. Petersburg and Clearwater on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and at a mid-county site on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Beginning the week of May 24, a site in Pinellas Park will reopen and will have shots available on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Vaccinations from sites run by the health department in Pinellas are by appointment only. Call 727-824-6931 for an appointment (no longer using CDR Maguire web portal to book appointments).

Some doctor’s offices: A limited number of medical providers may have Pfizer vaccines they can give to kids as young as 12. For instance, the Pediatric Health Care Alliance P.A., which has several locations in Tampa Bay, said it will start having Saturday vaccine clinics beginning May 22. President Joe Biden said earlier this month that his administration was working with pediatricians to get vaccine doses shipped directly to them.

This story may be updated.

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