PINELLAS COUNTY — Governor Ron DeSantis announced that Floridians 16 and older can receive the COVID-19 vaccine beginning on Monday. Appointments for this week in the Patient Portal are already fully booked, but slots are open for the week of April 12.
To register and book, go to www.patientportalfl.com. A parent or caretaker must create an account with their own information and then select their minor child when prompted to start a vaccine appointment booking on their behalf.
The Patient Portal’s call center is at (844) 770-8548. The website and phone number are available 24/7.
Minors under 18 must be accompanied at appointments
The only vaccine approved by the FDA for those under 18 is the two-dose Pfizer-BioNTech, which is offered at all sites booked through the Patient Portal. Minors under 18 must be accompanied by an adult or caretaker during their appointment.
Public sites operated by the Florida Department of Health in Pinellas County (DOH-Pinellas) and Pinellas County Government are adding appointments to the Patient Portal as additional shipments are received from the state. Identification and proof of eligibility required at all sites.
Keep your vaccine card safe
Those who receive the vaccine should keep their vaccination record card in a safe place and take a photo of it for safekeeping. Laminating the card is not recommended as the heat from the process may cause the ink to bleed, making the card illegible.
A replacement card may be requested at the site where the vaccine was given but is not guaranteed.
Other ways to get the vaccine
To date, more than 300,000 people have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine in Pinellas County, nearly a third of the population.
DOH-Pinellas manages vaccines booked through the CDR Health Patient Portal while the federal government, State of Florida, and numerous pharmacies and health centers manage their own distribution operations. There are also DOH-Pinellas outreach events to vaccinate underserved populations throughout Pinellas. Eligible groups should check around the county for availability.
For the latest information about all vaccine options countywide, go to covid19.pinellascounty.org/vaccines.
