Pinellas To Open Vaccine Registrations At 10 a.m. Saturday

PINELLAS COUNTY, FL — Here's the next opportunity for Pinellas County resident age 65 and up to sign up for the next round of coronavirus vaccines.

The county has received a new shipment of 8,000 doses of vaccine and will open registrations at 10 a.m. Saturday. Residents are urged to be at their computers or on the phone when registrations open because appointments will fill up fast.

If you're a Pinellas resident and 65 or over, get ready to be at your computer or near a phone by 10 a.m. on Sat. for COVID-19 vaccine registrations because appointments will fill up fast.

Appointment dates will start early next week.

Registering for an appointment is mandatory to get the first of two vaccine injections and can be scheduled online through the CDR Maguire HealthPro portal. Residents accessing the portal before to 10 a.m. Saturday will be able to create an account if they don't have one yet, but will not be able to book an appointment until registration opens at 10 a.m. No appointments will be booked before that time.

Pinellas County fire paramedic crews will operate the four public vaccination sites for seniors over 65 in coordination with the Florida Department of Health in Pinellas County.

To get a vaccine appointment, residents must first create an account and then select an available time. Creating an account does not guarantee availability for this round of appointments.

The state of Florida has a new requirement that patients must show proof of Florida residency to receive a vaccine. Examples include a valid Florida driver's license, state-issued ID, property deed or utility bill with the patient's name and address. Part-time residents will be asked to show a part-time rental agreement.

Those without internet access or who need assistance with the portal can call 844-770-8548. The call center is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and can provide guidance in English and Spanish.

Any resident with the ability to access the internet is strongly encouraged to use the online portal, as phone wait times can be lengthy.

Notifications of new vaccine appointment openings in Pinellas will not be available through sign ups on the patient portal. Residents are asked to check the Pinellas County vaccine website

Appointments will be scheduled at sites in various parts of the county. To prevent residents from showing up without appointments, details about the vaccine distribution sites will be given to residents when they receive an appointment confirmation. Appointments for the required second dose can be made at the time of scheduling.

Each eligible family members must sign up and register for appointments. Those arriving ahead of schedule may be turned away and told to return at their scheduled time.

For more information about vaccines and what to expect at your appointment, click here.

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