TAMPA, Fla — Starting March 3, Tampa's Greyhound Track will transform into the home of one of Florida's latest federally-supported COVID-19 vaccination sites.
The FEMA, DoD and U.S. Air Force supported site is aiming to distribute 2,000 vaccines a day, according to Gov. Ron DeSantis.
The site only has the Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson vaccines, meaning if you're looking for your second shot of the Moderna vaccine, you will be turned away.
Accompanying the main site will be smaller, mobile satellite sites that will complete 500 vaccinations a day in underserved areas, according to a press release.
So, with a new option for seniors to be inoculated being added to an already growing list, we are breaking down what you can expect when you arrive.
When does it operate?
The main site will operate seven days a week between the hours of 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. while the satellite sites in underserved communities will only be temporarily available.
- Larry Sanders Sports Complex: March 3-6
- Hillsborough Community College (Brandon Campus): March 7-10
- Lake Maude Park: March 3-10
RELATED: Tampa's new FEMA vaccine site accepts walk-ups if you can't schedule an appointment ahead of time
Am I eligible?
As of March 3, those eligible to receive a vaccine in Florida are health care workers, residents and staff of long-term care facilities, and people age 65 and older, according to the Department of Health.
Gov. Ron DeSantis also added people who are under 65 and deemed "extremely vulnerable" to COVID-19 by a physician to the list of those able to be vaccinated. On Wednesday, the Florida Division of Emergency Management announced that individuals that fall under that category can receive a shot at the new Tampa federal site.
On March 4, the federal site expanded to vaccinating teachers of all ages following President Joe Biden's direction to make vaccinating all teachers a priority.
Here's who is currently eligible:
- Individuals 65 Years of Age and Older
- Long-Term Care Facility Residents & Staff
- Healthcare Personnel with Direct Patient Contact
- Individuals Deemed Extremely Vulnerable to COVID-19
- All K-12 School Employees
- Sworn Law Enforcement Officers 50 Years of Age and Older
- Firefighters 50 Years of Age and Older
- Childcare workers who have an official badge
You'll need to present a signed Florida Department of Health form which you can find here.
Do I need an appointment?
Well, yes and no.
The vaccination site is for eligible people with appointments but FEMA officials say they will allow people without appointments to get in line.
An appointment is strongly encouraged to have ahead of time. To preregister with the statewide system, individuals can either call the designated phone number for their county or visit myvaccine.fl.gov.
Currently, the state doesn't list the Tampa Greyhound Track as an option to register for an appointment but says it is working on updating the site. Those looking for an appointment should call in the meantime.
Anyone unable to make a reservation will have a separate line where you can walk up and register. But you're not guaranteed to get a shot that same day.
How does it work?
Unlike other vaccination sites, the federal location does not operate as a drive-thru. You will have to get out of your car to get your vaccine.
Follow the guidance of officials on-site to successfully maneuver the site.
Where do I go?
Those getting inoculated at the main site will head to:
➡️ Tampa Greyhound Track
755 E. Waters Ave.
Tampa, FL 33604
While satellite sites will be held at the following locations:
➡️ Larry Sanders Sports Complex
5855 S. 78th St.
Tampa, FL 33619
➡️ Hillsborough Community College - Brandon Campus
10451 Nancy Watkins Drive
Tampa, FL 33619
➡️ Lake Maude Park
1751 7th St. NE.
Winter Haven, FL 33881
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