Pasco County COVID-19 vaccine distribution

After several different phases of COVID-19 vaccine rollout, all adults in Pasco 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.

The Florida Department of Health in Pasco County says it is using an outside vendor -- CDR Maguire Health & Medical -- to handle registration for vaccination appointments.

Residents are encouraged to create an account on the patient portal to receive alerts about vaccine appointment availability and scheduling.

In order to receive alerts and schedule a COVID-19 vaccination, please go to patientportalfl.com and create an account. You will receive updates via email from CDR Maguire Health & Medical for upcoming appointments. Or, for those that do not have internet access or who need assistance with the portal, you can call 1-844-770-8548. 

It is required to have a photo I.D. when checking in for all vaccination appointments. If the online patient portal was used to register for an appointment (instead of calling), those people should bring a printed or digital copy of the confirmation email they received containing a QR code.

Second dose: 

If you have an appointment for your second dose, please bring a photo I.D, the vaccination card you were given when you received your first dose, and the QR
code with date and time for your second appointment. Anyone who received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine through DOH-Pasco 28 days ago or more and
has not received or missed an appointment for their second dose, please go to the same location where you received your first dose with your I.D. and vaccination card.

Reminders: 

• In order to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, Pasco County residency is not required, but Florida residency is required. (see information below on Florida residency)
• Staff at the Pasco County Health Department cannot schedule COVID-19 vaccination appointments.
• There are no vaccines available without appointments.
• At this time, DOH-Pasco does NOT have a waiting list.
• Every person needs their own appointment.
• Create your account at patientportalfl.com.
• Show up on time for your appointment - please do not arrive early. 
• Emails that are sent will be sent from: CDRM Health No-Reply: no-reply@cdrmhealth.com or noreply@salesforce.com (NOT from DOH-Pasco).
• Verify you have a "Vaccine Appointment." The appointment confirmation will have a QR code NOT a barcode.  

Do I need to be a resident of Florida to receive the COVID-19 vaccine?

State Surgeon General Scott Rivkees issued a Public Health Advisory on Jan. 21, 2021, prioritizing vaccines for residents of the State of Florida or individuals in Florida for the purpose of providing health care services involving direct contact with patients.

To prove residency, an adult resident must provide a copy of his or her valid Florida driver's license or a copy of a valid Florida identification card. 

Seasonal residents* may provide a copy of two of the following to show proof of residential address:

1. A deed, mortgage, monthly mortgage statement, mortgage payment booklet or residential rental or lease agreement. 

2. One proof of residential address from the seasonal resident's* parent, step-parent or legal guardian, or other person with whom the seasonal resident resides and a statement from the person with whom the seasonal resident* resides, stating that the seasonal resident* does reside with him or her. 

3. A utility hookup or work order dated within 60 days prior to registration. 

4. A utility bill, not more than two months old. 

5. Mail from a financial institution, including checking, savings or investment account statements, not more than two months old. 

6. Mail from a federal, state, county or municipal government agency, not more than two months old. 

*Seasonal resident means; any person who temporarily resides in this state for a period of at least 31 consecutive days in each calendar year, maintains a temporary residence in this state, returns to the state or jurisdiction of his or her residence at least one time during each calendar year, and is registered to vote or pays income tax in another state or jurisdiction.

Please be advised that local hospitals, doctor's offices, stores, churches and 55+ communities are slowly receiving vaccines. DOH-Pasco encourages residents to reach out to them as well.

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.

• Publix
• Walmart & Sam's Club
• Winn-Dixie
• CVS Pharmacy
• Walgreens Pharmacy

On March 4, two Walgreens locations will begin taking vaccination appointments:

• 12028 Majestic Boulevard in Hudson
• 6429 Gall Boulevard in Zephyrhills

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. They 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

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