COVID-19 Booster Shots: Where To Find Them In Sarasota

SARASOTA, FL — Booster shots, available at pharmacies/clinics in Sarasota, are the best defense against COVID-19 illnesses as the omicron variant of the coronavirus spreads across the country, according to health officials.

Breakthrough COVID-19 cases from the omicron variant — infections among the vaccinated — are less common among people who have received their third vaccination shots, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The omicron variant, first reported in South Africa on Nov. 24, has been detected in all but a handful of states, including Florida.

Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s leading infectious disease expert, said Friday the Pfizer and Moderna booster shots work well against the omicron variant and that there’s no need for a specific vaccine to fight it.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said the omicron variant is likely to become the dominant coronavirus strain in the coming weeks. It currently represents 3 percent of new infections.

Public health officials are concerned that vaccination rates — currently 61 percent of eligible Americans are fully vaccinated, and only 28 percent have gotten booster shots — are insufficient to fend off a fifth wave of the coronavirus. COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations are increasing, with about 120,000 new cases and 1,200 deaths reported each day, mainly from the delta variant.

The CDC says Pfizer and Moderna booster shots both provide increased protection against COVID-19 and helped prevent severe symptoms in breakthrough cases.

To get a booster shot in Sarasota, go to:

• Department of Health’s downtown Sarasota office (2200 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota): Open Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Tuesday and Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. No appointments necessary.
• Department of Health’s North Port office (6950 Outreach Way, North Port): Open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. No appointments necessary.
• Doctors Hospital of Sarasota (5731 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota): Contact the hospital to set up a booster shot appointment.

Booster shots are also available at select locations of the following pharmacy chains:

• CVS
• Publix
• Walgreens
• Walmart
• Winn Dixie

Find a full list of pharmacies, clinics and other medical facilities offering the COVID-19 vaccine and booster shots throughout Florida here.

Homebound individuals can request a vaccine be delivered to their home by contacting Florida's elder helpline at 800-963-5337 or emailing the state's Division of Emergency Management at HomeboundVaccine@em.myflorida.com.