Healthcare system opens program to patients 65 and older while increasing accessibility with an additional vaccination site.
Editor’s note: As of Jan. 15, available COVID-19 appointments at Bayfront Health St. Petersburg have been filled for now.
ST. PETERSBURG – Bayfront Health St. Petersburg and parent company Orlando Health remain actively engaged in ensuring the COVID-19 vaccine is available and accessible to the communities they serve.
Beginning Wednesday, Jan. 13, in keeping with Gov. Ron DeSantis’ goal to vaccinate seniors, Bayfront Health St. Petersburg is expanding its vaccination eligibility to Bayfront Health St. Petersburg patients who are 65 or older. Due to the limited supply of vaccine, scheduling information will be communicated directly to those eligible through a phased selection process.
Appointments will be first come, first served.
“The data regarding the impact this virus has on the senior population vs. a younger population is indisputable,” said Jamal Hakim, MD, chief operating officer, Orlando Health. “Someone who is 85 is 1,000 times more likely to die from COVID-19 than someone who is 25. We know vaccine demand is high and we are working diligently to acquire additional supplies. We will open and announce additional appointment availability as vaccine supply becomes available.”
Also, effective Wednesday, Bayfront Health St. Petersburg is increasing accessibility to the vaccine by adding an additional vaccination site. Eligible individuals may make an appointment for their first vaccine dose at any of the following two sites:
- Bayfront Health St. Petersburg — 701 6th St. S, St. Petersburg
- Bayfront Health St. Petersburg Emergency Room Pinellas Park — 3070 Grand Ave., Pinellas Park
Site selection is based on availability at the time of scheduling. The vaccine being provided is the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, which requires two doses spaced 4 weeks apart. After scheduling the first dose, participants will be emailed a link to schedule their second dose. Those who receive the vaccine should plan to remain in the post-vaccination observation area for up to 30 minutes.
Prior to vaccination, a review of product-specific safety information and consent will be required. A form of identification, such as a driver’s license, is required at the time of the appointment. Additional information on the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine can be found at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/different-vaccines/Moderna.html.
