How To Get A COVID-19 Vaccine In Manatee County

MANATEE COUNTY, FL — Though the COVID-19 vaccine rollout started slowly in Florida — and Manatee County — vaccination has ramped up in recent weeks.

Eligibility for the vaccine has been frequently updated through direct orders from Gov. Ron DeSantis. Manatee County also recently updated its vaccine registration system to adapt to these changes in eligibility.

If you’re interested in receiving the coronavirus vaccine, here’s everything you need to know about getting one in Manatee County.

Who is eligible for the vaccine?

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.

Through the governor’s most recent executive order, as of Monday, all Floridians 50 and older are eligible to receive the coronavirus vaccine.

Who can register for the vaccine in Manatee County?

Through Manatee County’s expanded vaccine registration system, all adults 18 and older can pre-register for the vaccine. Only those currently eligible for the vaccine will be assigned an account number, though.

Although anyone 18 and older can now enroll for the standby pool, the county won't vaccinate anyone younger than 50 until directed by Gov. Ron DeSantis, the county said in a news release.

How to register for the vaccine?

Those who want to receive the COVID-19 vaccine can pre-register through the county's online registration system at vax.mymanatee.org or by calling Manatee County's call center at 311.

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Where are vaccines being administered by Manatee County?

The Department of Health in Manatee County has been hosting regular, drive-through vaccine clinics at Tom Bennett Park at 400 Cypress Creek Blvd. in Bradenton since early January.

What should you bring to your vaccination appointment?

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

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.

The state is also operating a site at the Manatee County Public Safety Center at 2101 47th Terr. E in Bradenton, offering first-dose shots through the first week in April. After that, the site will provide second doses to those who received their first through the clinic.

How do those who are medically vulnerable and under the eligible age to receive the vaccine?

First, have a physician fill out a COVID-19 Determination of Extreme Vulnerability Form, which can be found here.

Those who are medically vulnerable should then call 941-242-6646 to book an appointment at the DOH-Manatee office.

You can also receive the vaccine through retail pharmacies, hospitals and the federal site in Tampa.

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