COVID-19 Vaccine Efforts Expanded In South Hillsborough

BLOOMINGDALE - RIVERVIEW, FL — Vaccination efforts in Hillsborough County are being expanded to residents 65-years-old and older this week, according to a news release.

Based on a transfer of 3,000 doses from Tampa General Hospital, a partner in the county's COVID-19 mitigation efforts, as well as additional vaccine anticipated to arrive from the State of Florida this week, Hillsborough will be providing a total of 9,000 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine to the vulnerable population, officials said.

Appointments are mandatory for residents age 65 and older to get the first of two vaccine injections. Appointments can be made online at HCCOVID19Shot.as.me beginning Mon., Jan. 4.

Residents can make an appointment for the vaccination site most convenient for them. For residents without internet access, appointments also are available by calling (888) 755-2822. The phone line will be open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

There will be no vaccines available for residents without appointments, and there is no waiting list. Doses will be distributed at four vaccine distribution sites strategically located across the county beginning Wed., Jan 6.

The schedule from Wed., Jan. 6 to Sat., Jan. 9 is outlined below:

Wed., Jan. 6

• Strawberry Festival Fairgrounds, 2700 W. Risk St., Plant City, FL 33563
• Ed Radice Sports Complex, 14720 Ed Radice Drive, Tampa, FL 33626

Thurs., Jan. 7

• University Mall (parking lot), 2200 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa, FL 33612
• Vance Vogel Sports Complex, 13012 Bullfrog Creek Road, Gibsonton, FL 33534

Fri., Jan. 8

• University Mall (parking lot)
• Strawberry Festival Fairgrounds
• Ed Radice Sports Complex

Sat., Jan. 9

• University Mall (parking lot)
• Strawberry Festival Fairgrounds

This video provided by Florida Health explains what residents can expect at a drive-through vaccine distribution site.

As a reminder, Hillsborough County is in Phase I of the vaccine distribution plan as outlined and directed by the Gov. Ron DeSantis. Phase I is categorized by limited supply of vaccine availability and is focused on long-term care facilities (residents and staff); front line healthcare workers; and persons 65 years and over. Limited availability is anticipated over the next several weeks.