Hillsborough Jail Inmates 1st To Receive Coronavirus Vaccinations

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, FL — Inmates at the Hillsborough County jails on Falkenburg and Orient roads are now receiving coronavirus vaccinations, the first county jail inmates in the state to be offered coronavirus vaccines.

On Tuesday, NaphCare, a company contracted by the sheriff's office to provide medical services at the jails, began distributing Pfizer vaccines on a voluntary basis to inmates age 65 and up and those under 65 who are determined to be medically vulnerable.

Among the 2,897 inmates currently in jail in Hillsborough County, 640 said they wanted to be vaccinated.

As part of the booking process, people who have just been arrested will be asked if they want the coronavirus vaccine. Those who want it will be placed on a waiting list.

The jails anticipate receiving 500 vaccines each week.

Since March 2020, 352 inmates have tested positive for the coronavirus. No inmate deaths have been attributed to the virus.

"The sooner we can get the vast majority of people vaccinated, the better for both those within our jails and those within our communities," said Sheriff Chad Chronister.

"By providing a means for inmates to get vaccinated, we are not only protecting those individuals but also protecting the hardworking deputies and staff members working within our jails every day," he said. "In addition, when those inmates are released from jail, being vaccinated will prevent them from contracting and spreading this deadly virus to anyone in the public with whom they come in contact. I hope our inmates take advantage of this life-saving opportunity."

On Dec. 29, Steven Neher, 49, a nurse with NaphCare assigned to the Hillsborough County jails, died after contracting the coronavirus while working in the jails.

See related stories:

• Nurse Dies 4 Weeks After Exposure To Coronavirus Working At Jail
• Sheriff Releases Nonviolent Inmates To Reduce Coronavirus Spread
• Sheriff Forced To Turn Away Inmates After COVID-19 Outbreak