1st-Dose COVID-19 Vaccines Available May 3-5 In Progress Village

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, FL — First doses of the COVID-19 coronavirus vaccine will be available May 3-7 at Hillsborough County’s public vaccination site at the Larry Sanders Sports Complex, 5855 S. 78th St. in the Progress Village area.

The drive-thru location will be open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. each weekday. An appointment is no longer necessary.

Vaccine eligibility, as prescribed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, has been expanded statewide through a public health advisory issued April 29 by State Surgeon General Dr. Scott A. Rivkees.

In addition to Florida residents, eligibility now includes anyone who is visiting Florida. Sites run by Hillsborough County dispense only the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, which can be given to those 16 years of age and older. Those ages 16 and 17 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

Although an appointment is not necessary, people can save time at the vaccination site by going to patientportalfl.com and opening an account before arriving. The registration process is simple and takes only a few minutes. However, creating an account beforehand is not required.

There is no out-of-pocket cost to be vaccinated. A doctor’s note or prescription is not required. Health insurance information is being collected in accordance with federal guidelines; however, you will not be asked to pay a copay or deductible.

Individuals who do not have health insurance will still be vaccinated.

For other details about being vaccinated at a Hillsborough County site, including what to bring and what to expect, go to HCFLGov.net/vaccine and click on the “County” link.

During the week of May 3, operations at all other county vaccination locations will be focused on providing second doses to those with previouslyvscheduled appointments.

Hillsborough County’s state of local emergency enacted in response to the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic is extended for another seven-day period. The extension will be in effect at least through May 6.

Commissioners will discuss the state of local emergency and other COVID-19 issues at their next regular meeting on Wednesday, May 5.