Confusion over second dose appointments creates miles-long lines at University Mall vaccination site

TAMPA, Fla. - Confusion and long lines reigned supreme at Hillsborough County’s University Mall vaccination site. Lines of cars stretched for miles as thousands of people without appointments showed up for second doses of the COVID-19 vaccine.

The Florida Department of Health - Hillsborough County says it appears many who got their first shot at the location 21 days ago were given a reminder card for their second shot. However, those people did not realize they still needed to make another appointment before showing up.

The health department apologized, saying its communication should have been better.

LINK: COVID-19 vaccine distribution information in Tampa Bay area counties

Gaynell Gonzalez finally got her shot four hours after her scheduled appointment time Thursday.

"You couldn't see the light at the end of the tunnel," she said. "I am grateful because so many people are struggling to get the first shot at all."

Some of those trying to get vaccinated told FOX 13 they were told that no second appointment was necessary.

"I understand there was some better communicating we could do. We really apologize for that. We do need to do a better job at making sure people understand the process," said Kevin Watler, a spokesperson for the Hillsborough County health department.

The line down Fowler Avenue stretched for miles, with some even making it all the way to the front by late morning, only to be told to come back later in the afternoon.

"You have massive confusion," said one senior citizen trying to get vaccinated. "The soldier told me they do have the second dose, so we just have to wait in line again."

The health department said it will have vaccinated double the normal number of people at the University Mall site; 3,000 compared to 1,500.

The site stayed open hours later than normal to accommodate as many as possible.

"It was a harrowing experience," said Gonzalez. "Frightening, but we were grateful to have an appointment and get the shot."

The state is asking those seeking appointments to go to the vaccination website myvaccine.fl.gov.

It says appointment staff will get back to as many people as possible over the next 48 hours.

They also want people to remember that while the window for peak effectiveness from the second shot opens after three weeks, it does not close until at least six weeks.

Second doses received then will not lose effectiveness, they said.