Hardee County COVID-19 vaccine distribution
Florida’s vaccine eligibility expands to include all adults
Monday marked the biggest expansion in Florida’s COVID-19 vaccine eligibility. All adults are now able to get in line for the shot, along with teens ages 16 and up if they are getting the Pfizer vaccine. That adds millions more Floridians into the mix.
After several different phases of COVID-19 vaccine rollout, all adults in Hardee County are now eligible for the vaccine.
Floridians have any different vaccine options available to them, from federal sites to county- and state-run locations, and many commercial providers. Some locations don’t even require an appointment anymore.
Those who wish to receive the vaccination at a county location should make an appointment by calling 863-773-4161. The phone lines for appointments is open at the beginning of each week on Monday at 8 a.m.
The phone lines continue to be overwhelmed and you may experience a delay in reaching someone.
What you'll need to be vaccinated in Hardee County:
- An appointment
- Proof of identification, including age and/or employment
- To be in Hardee County 28 days after the first vaccine dose, in order to receive the second dose
Vaccinations will be conducted at CompanyTrader building (former CareSync building) located at 1499 US Highway 17, Wauchula, FL 33873. Hours of operation will be conducted on an appointment-only basis on Wednesdays and Thursdays.
The Department of Health - Hardee County released the following information about vaccinations:
The state has contracted with CVS and Walgreens to administer vaccinations to patients in long-term care facilities and assisted living facilities statewide. These vaccination programs are not governed by the Florida Department of Health in Hardee County or Hardee County.
Questions regarding medical conditions, eligibility for vaccination, or concerns regarding the vaccination process should be directed to the Florida Department of Health in Hardee at 863-773-4161.
The public can expect the opportunity for vaccines closer to spring as Governor DeSantis has indicated priority vaccination is for the elderly and health care personnel.
Statewide preregistration system
The state of Florida is offering a statewide registration system to help schedule COVID-19 vaccines. Residents can pre-register for vaccine appointments and be notified when appointments are available in their area by:
- Internet: Visiting myvaccine.fl.gov
- Phone: Call your local county number listed on this page.
Private retailers offering vaccines in Florida
These businesses are offering COVID-19 vaccines at some of their locations in Florida. They generally follow the guidelines laid out by Gov. DeSantis, but you need to register separately for an appointment with the retailer directly, separate from any state or county registration. Click on a link below for more information.
Federal vaccine sites
Federal vaccine sites in Tampa, Miami, Orlando, and Jacksonville are open until at least May 26 as part of a partnership with FEMA, the Department of Defense, and state health offices. Click here for specific locations.
According to the governor’s office, each site will administer 2,000 vaccines per day, seven days a week. Each allocation will also support two smaller, mobile satellite sites that will each deliver 500 vaccinations per day in underserved areas. The will use the existing myvaccine.fl.gov registration system.
The FEMA sites follow President Joe Biden's guidelines, meaning teachers, school staff, and daycare workers of all ages are eligible.
LINK: COVID-19 vaccine distribution information in Tampa Bay area counties
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COVID-19 Vaccines in Florida:
On December 23, Governor Ron DeSantis announced Executive Order 20-315, which states: During this first phase of vaccine administration, all providers administering any COVID-19 vaccine shall only vaccinate the following populations:
- Long-term care facility residents and staff;
- persons 65 years of age and older;
- and health care personnel with direct patient contact.
Hospitals, however, also may vaccinate persons who they deem to be extremely vulnerable to COVID-19.
Governor DeSantis also announced that in addition to hospitals, county health departments will begin vaccinating individuals 65 and older in the coming weeks as supply permits. Each county health department will work directly with their community partners to notify the community when vaccine doses are available and will provide information about what will be needed to register for vaccination.
Florida has launched a COVID-19 Vaccine Report that will be updated daily at FloridaHealthCOVID19.gov. This report includes a breakdown of who has received the vaccine by age, race, sex and county.
If you feel sick:
The Florida Department of Health has opened a COVID-19 Call Center at 1-866-779-6121. Agents will answer questions around the clock. Questions may also be emailed to covid-19@flhealth.gov. Email responses will be sent during call center hours.
LINK: Florida's COVID-19 website
CORONAVIRUS IN FLORIDA: What you need to know
AROUND THE WORLD: CoronavirusNOW.com