Pinellas County Jail Inmates Begin Receiving Vaccines

PINELLAS COUNTY — Following on the heels of Hillsborough and Pasco County sheriff's offices, the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office began vaccinating jail inmates against the coronavirus Tuesday.

Both Hillsborough and Pasco counties started vaccinating inmates who wished to receive a shot last week.

The Department of Health has provided the Pinellas County Jail with Pfizer vaccinations. Inmates will be prioritized by age, vulnerability, chronic illness and medical conditions with a focus on inmates incarcerated for more than 21 days, so they can receive a second dose before they are released.

Inmates who elect to have their initial dose while incarcerated but are released before receiving their second dose will be provided a referral to the Department of Health.

The Pinellas County Jail will continue to administer vaccinations to inmates as they are provided by the Department of Health.