Hillsborough County Begins Second Doses Of Coronavirus Vaccinations

From Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County:

January 25, 2020

By Kevin Watler, Public Information Officer

Hillsborough County, in partnership with the Florida Department of Health, begins second doses of COVID-19 coronavirus vaccinations for residents ages 65 and older this week at the original sites where first doses were dispensed.

Some important things for residents to remember about the second dose:

• The vaccine appointment team is contacting residents to confirm the second shot.
• Origination of call center numbers may not be recognized by local carriers. While awaiting an appointment callback, we encourage you to answer all calls. Be aware that you will NEVER be asked for your social security number when scheduling a vaccination appointment.
• Residents must return to the site where they got their first dose of the vaccine to get their second shot at the time and date of their appointment.
• Even if a resident does not get a call, text, or email confirming the second shot, they still should return to their vaccine site 21 days from the date of their initial shot to get their second dose. Residents should bring their COVID-19 Vaccine Record Card with them.

Residents returning for second doses at all sites must bring a photo ID with their name and date of birth (for example: Florida driver's license, state-issued ID, or passport), and the COVID-19 Vaccine Record Card that was issued at the time of the first injection. Even if a resident misplaced their appointment reminder, they should still return to the site for the second dose.

The two authorized and recommended vaccines to prevent COVID-19 in the United States both need two doses to be most effective, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The state of Florida has assured counties, including Hillsborough, that there will be enough vaccine in the state’s inventory to provide these second doses.

As a reminder, the locations for second doses are here:

• University Mall (parking garage)2200 E. Fowler Ave. Tampa, FL 33612
• Vance Vogel Sports Complex13012 Bullfrog Creek Road, Gibsonton, FL 33534
• Strawberry Festival Fairgrounds2700 W. Risk St., Plant City, FL 33563
• Ed Radice Sports Complex14720 Ed Radice Drive, Tampa, FL 33626

For more information regarding second doses, go to HCFLGov.net/Vaccine and click on the “I Have an Appointment, Now What?” button.

To help alleviate traffic issues, persons arriving for their appointments are asked to please arrive on time and not ahead of their scheduled appointment time. Those arriving before their appointment may be turned away and asked to come back during their confirmed time frame. Persons arriving for confirmed appointments at the University Mall vaccination distribution site, regardless of which dose they are receiving, should proceed to the site by going west on Fowler Avenue and then north onto N. 19th Street. Once at the site further instruction will be given to get them to the proper area for vaccine administration.

Information for people looking to get a COVID-19 Vaccine

People 65 years of age and older, and frontline health care workers as defined by the state, may request an appointment by calling 1-866-200-3896, TTY 1-833-476-1029. They will be called back when appointments are available. At this time, a state online appointment system is not yet available.

To expediate the process for those with confirmed appointments coming to the University Mall location for their first dose, please have ready a government-issued form of identification, an insurance card, proof of appointment confirmation, and printout or digital screenshot of the QR code (if received). To expedite check-in, we recommend that before you arrive, print and complete the online COVID-19 Vaccine Screening and Consent Form.

For more information about vaccines and what to expect at your appointment, visit HCFLGov.net/vaccine.

Face Coverings Mandate Remains in Effect

The mandate that face coverings must be worn in indoor locations of businesses, with certain exceptions, remains in effect. For more information, go to HCFLGov.net/Facecoverings.

Prioritization of Floridans for COVID-19 Vaccinations

State Surgeon General Dr. Scott Rivkees signed a Public Health Advisory prioritizing Florida residents for COVID-19 vaccinations given in Florida.

This advisory outlines who is eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, and provides clear direction and proof-of-residency requirements for all entities administering the vaccine in Florida.

Click here to read the Public Health Advisory.Florida Statutes 381.986(5)(b)To prove residency:

1. An adult resident must provide the department with a copy of his or her valid Florida driver license issued under s. 322.18 or a copy of a valid Florida identification card issued under s. 322.051.
2. An adult seasonal resident who cannot meet the requirements of subparagraph 1. may provide the department with a copy of two of the following that show proof of residential address: a. A deed, mortgage, monthly mortgage statement, mortgage payment booklet or residential rental or lease agreement. b. One proof of residential address from the seasonal resident’s parent, step-parent, legal guardian or other person with whom the seasonal resident resides and a statement from the person with whom the seasonal resident resides stating that the seasonal resident does reside with him or her. c. A utility hookup or work order dated within 60 days before registration in the medical use registry. d. A utility bill, not more than 2 months old. e. Mail from a financial institution, including checking, savings, or investment account statements, not more than 2 months old. f. Mail from a federal, state, county, or municipal government agency, not more than 2 months old. g. Any other documentation that provides proof of residential address as determined by department rule.
3. A minor must provide the department with a certified copy of a birth certificate or a current record of registration from a Florida K-12 school and must have a parent or legal guardian who meets the requirements of subparagraph 1.

For the purposes of this paragraph, the term “seasonal resident” means any person who temporarily resides in this state for a period of at least 31 consecutive days in each calendar year, maintains a temporary residence in this state, returns to the state or jurisdiction of his or her residence at least one time during each calendar year, and is registered to vote or pays income tax in another state or jurisdiction.
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This press release was produced by the Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County. The views expressed are the author's own.