Health Department Says Act Fast For COVID-19 Vaccine Appointment

ST. PETERSBURG, FL — If you're a Pinellas resident and 65 or over, get ready to be at your computer or near a phone by 10 a.m. on Sat. for COVID-19 vaccine registrations because appointments will fill up fast.

Pinellas County has received a new shipment of 8,000 doses from the state of Florida, health officials said. Appointments start early next week.

Appointments are mandatory to get the first of two vaccine injections and can be scheduled online through the CDR HealthPro portal starting at 10 a.m., Sat, Jan. 23 at www.patientportalfl.com. Residents accessing the portal prior to 10 a.m. on Saturday will be able to create an account, but will not be able to book their appointment until the set time of 10 a.m. No appointments will be booked prior to Saturday at 10 a.m.

Pinellas County Fire paramedic crews will operate the four public vaccination sites for seniors over 65 in coordination with the Florida Department of Health in Pinellas County.

To get a vaccine appointment, residents must first create an account and then select an available time. Creating an account does not guarantee availability for this round of appointments, officials said.

The state of Florida has a new requirement that patients must show proof of Florida residency to receive a vaccine. Examples include: a valid Florida driver's license, state issued ID, deed, or utility bill with the patient's name and address. Part-time residents will be asked to provide part-time rental agreement.

Those without internet access or who need assistance with the portal can call(844) 770-8548. The call center is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and can provide guidance in English and Spanish. Any resident with the ability to access the internet is strongly encouraged to use the online portal, as phone wait times can be lengthy.

Notifications of new vaccine appointment openings in Pinellas will not be available through sign ups on the patient portal. Residents are asked to check the website https://covid19.pinellascounty.org/vaccines/.

Appointments will be scheduled at sites in various parts of the county. Details about access to the vaccine distribution sites will be given to residents upon appointment confirmation. Appointments for the required second dose can be made at the time of scheduling.

Family members must sign up and register individually for appointments. Those arriving ahead of schedule may be turned away and instructed to return at their scheduled time. For more information about vaccines and what to expect at your appointment, visit https://covid19.pinellascounty.org/vaccines.

This article originally appeared on the St. Pete Patch