​ 5 Things To Know About Getting The COVID-19 Vaccine In Manatee

MANATEE COUNTY, FL — With coronavirus vaccine eligibility and registration requirements changing frequently, and pop-up events scheduled on the fly, it can be difficult to keep up with the vaccine distribution process and how to get inoculated.

If you're interested in receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, here's everything you need to know about getting one in Manatee County.

Who is eligible for the vaccine in Manatee County?

Since vaccine rollout began in December, the groups eligible to receive it have been constantly changing. At the beginning, it was only available to those 65 and older, frontline health care workers, and residents and staff of long-term health care facilities, as well as those who are medically vulnerable.

Starting April 5, the vaccine was made available to all Florida residents 18 and older. The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine has also been authorized for 16- and 17-year-olds, but they must be accompanied by a guardian and need to complete the COVID-19 vaccine screening and consent form.

Do you need to register for a vaccine in Manatee County?

For months, Manatee County has operated a vaccine registration system for those who want to be inoculated. As appointments became available, names were pulled for the list similar to a lottery system. Now, as of Monday at 5 p.m., the system will no longer accept new accounts.

If there’s no registration system, how do you receive your vaccine through Manatee County?

The county scheduled first-dose appointments for those in the registration system Wednesday through Friday this week.

After that, a first-come, first-served vaccine distribution event is scheduled at Tom Bennett Park April 21, 8 a.m. to noon, the county said. Those who receive their first dose at this event will receive their second dose at the site May 19.

Bring a valid ID, proof of appointment notice and a signed consent form, which can be accessed online here.

Where are the vaccines being administered by Manatee County?

The Department of Health in Manatee County will continue hosting vaccine clinics at Bennett Park at 400 Cypress Creek Blvd. in Bradenton.

Appointment-only second-dose vaccine clinics for those who originally received their first shots through a state-run clinic will be given at the Public Safety Department through April 30.

Tom Bennett Park will remain open as the primary first-dose location for those scheduled to receive a vaccine from Manatee County. As more and more opportunities arise to receive the vaccine, county staff will monitor demand for the Tom Bennet Park vaccine site to gauge when the site should stop offering first doses in late April, the county said.

Where else can you get the vaccine?

Select Publix, Winn Dixie, Walmart, Sam's Club and CVS locations are offering the COVID-19 vaccine. Check each pharmacy retailer's website to learn about vaccine availability.

A federal site is also open daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. nearby in Hillsborough County at the Tampa Greyhound Track at 755 E. Waters Ave. in Tampa. Two mobile satellite sites will also be sent out to vaccinate individuals in underserved areas.

For more information on coronavirus vaccines in Florida, see the Florida Patch COVID-19 vaccination page.