PINELLAS COUNTY — Starting Monday, March 22, residents 50 and older can sign up for COVID-19 vaccine appointments at public sites and pharmacies in Pinellas County.
The governor expanded eligibility to those over 50 statewide starting next week, which will make the vaccine available to about 150,000 more Pinellas residents between the ages of 50-59, based on the latest Census Bureau population data.
This new group can click here to create an account or by calling 844-770-8548. Once an account is created, they can check for available appointments starting next week. The website and phone number are available 24/7.
Publix, CVS, Winn Dixie, Walmart, and Sam’s Club pharmacies are also offering vaccines to the eligible groups, in addition to K-12 teachers of any age as directed by the Federal Retail Pharmacy Partnership. Residents can check each of the pharmacy chain websites for more information. K-12 teachers under 50 can also receive their vaccine at the federally-supported, state-run site at the Tampa Greyhound Track.
The Florida Department of Emergency Management is also running a walk-up vaccination site at The Centre at Palm Harbor, 1500 16th St. in Palm Harbor, from 9 -5 p.m. until at least March 27. Public sites operated by the Florida Department of Health in Pinellas and Pinellas County Government are adding new first dose appointments each week at three sites as additional shipments are received from the state.
The following groups may also continue to schedule appointments through the Patient Portal:
- Health care personnel who have direct contract with the public of any age
- Medically vulnerable individuals with a physician-completed form available here
Identification and proof of eligibility are required at all appointments.
Residents needing transportation to a vaccine site have options available in Pinellas County:
- PSTAcurrently offers FREE bus service to several drop-off locations near vaccine sites within Pinellas County. Check here for a route convenient to you. PSTA buses are limited to 15 passengers plus two mobility device passengers to allow for social distancing. Masks are required for all PSTA riders.
- Neighborlyoffers free rides to adults 60 and over for medical appointments, including vaccines. Click here to register. The medical appointment must be within 10 miles of your home, and you must book a ride at least two days in advance of the appointment. Anyone needing wheelchair assistance must book at least a week in advance. Rides are available from 9:30-2:30 p.m. For more information, visit neighborly.org or call (727) 573-9444.
- The Area Agency on Aginghelps Pinellas seniors find free or low-cost local transportation via their Helpline at 1-800-963-5337.
- Residents with Medicaid can get a free ride to and from vaccine appointments. Once the shot is scheduled, residents are asked to call their health plan provider to get the name and phone number for the transportation service. If not in a health plan, residents can call the Medicaid helpline at 1-877-254-1055 to be connected with a transportation service.
- Residents should schedule their 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 enrolled in one); date and time of the appointment; and a phone number. They may have someone accompany them if it is medically necessary. Be sure to call the transportation service if an appointment is canceled or rescheduled.
To date, more than 220,000 people have received one or both doses of the vaccine in Pinellas County. For the latest information on vaccine availability countywide, visit covid19.pinellascounty.org/vaccines.
