Hillsborough County Targets Underserved Neighborhoods For Vaccine

TAMPA, FL — For the second time, Hillsborough County's Department of Health hosted a coronavirus vaccination clinics at a church in an underserved neighborhood over the weekend as part of its Targeted Vaccine Area initiative.

The clinics are part of an effort to get the vaccine to low-income residents age 65 and older who might not have transportation to other vaccine clinics.

The first clinic was held Jan. 10 at St. John's Progressive Missionary Baptist Church in Tampa where 590 residents were vaccinated. They will return Jan. 31 for the required second dose of the vaccine.

Sunday's clinic took place at Greater Bethel Missionary Baptist Church, 1207 N. Jefferson St., Tampa, in conjunction with 10 other Tampa churches.

About 600 Hillsborough County residents age 65 and older were vaccinated by crew members of Hillsborough County and Tampa fire rescues on Sunday. They will return Feb. 14 for a second dose.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has encouraged partnering with churches in an effort to increase the availability of the vaccine to senior citizens in low-income communities.

In addition to churches, the Targeted Vaccine Area initiative will include senior homes, independent living communities and other locations with a large senior population. In all, 350 locations have been identified for clinics. That number is expected to grow as the program expands.

Participating in the initiative with the DOH-Hillsborough are USF Health, the Hillsborough County Office of Emergency Management, Hillsborough County Aging Services and Tampa General Hospital.

Hillsborough County is also partnering with the state of Florida in operating a drive-thru vaccination site at University Mall, 2200 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa, for seniors age 65 and older and front-line health care workers. Appointments are mandatory. No walk-ups will be accepted. To request an appointment call 1-866-200-3896 or TTY 1-833-476-1029.

For more information on obtaining the coronavirus vaccine in Hillsborough County, click here.

Courtesy Hillsborough County Government

See related story: Churches Host Vaccine Clinics; Counties Awaiting More Doses