Hillsborough County To Begin Vaccinating Those Age 65 And Older

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, FL — Hillsborough County, in partnership with the Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County, will begin vaccinating residents age 65 and older on Wednesday, Jan. 6.

Hillsborough has allocated an initial 4,000 doses of the coronavirus vaccine to be distributed to front-line health care workers and the vulnerable population of residents age 65 and older. About 1,500 of those vaccine doses will be distributed at four vaccine distribution sites strategically located across the county beginning Jan 6.

Appointments are mandatory for residents age 65 and older to get the first of two vaccine injections. Appointments can be made online beginning at 9 a.m. Monday, Jan. 4. Residents can make an appointment for the vaccine 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 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

There will be no vaccines for residents without appointments, and there is no waiting list.

Hillsborough County expects new supplies of vaccines from the state weekly, and vaccination appointments will be made available based on supply.

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

The four vaccine distribution sites are:

• North University Mall (parking lot) 2200 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa
• South Vance Vogel Sports Complex, 13012 Bullfrog Creek Road, Gibsonton
• East Strawberry Festival Fairgrounds, 2700 W. Risk St., Plant City
• West Ed Radice Sports Complex, 14720 Ed Radice Drive, Tampa

These sites were chosen for their geographic diversity, available resources, and population density of residents age 65 and older. Details about access to the vaccine distribution sites will be given to residents upon appointment confirmation.

The west site at Ed Radice Sports Complex and the east site at the Strawberry Festival Fairgrounds will open Wednesday, Jan 6. The north site at University Mall and the south site at Vance Vogel Sports Complex will open Thursday, Jan. 7.

To learn what to expect at a drive-through vaccine distribution site, watch this video.

The state of Florida has made about 74,000 vaccines available for health care partners across Hillsborough County, including Tampa General Hospital, BayCare Health System, CVS and Walgreens.

Hillsborough County Emergency Management also is coordinating with the state for mobile distribution of vaccines to group homes and independent living facilities that meet the state's criteria.

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