Residents 60+ and medically vulnerable residents of any age can sign up now for COVID-19 appointments for vaccines that will begin to be administered at public sites in Pinellas County on Monday, March 15.

Via an Executive Order, Governor DeSantis expanded eligibility to those 60 and older statewide starting March 15, which will make the vaccine available to about 80,000 more Pinellas residents between the ages of 60-64, based on the latest Census Bureau population data.

The Governor’s order also expanded the definition of who could administer the vaccine to medically vulnerable residents. Medically vulnerable residents must have the DOH form found here completed by their physician to complete their appointment.

These new groups can create an account now at www.PatientPortalFL.com or by calling (844) 770-8548, and can then check now for available appointments starting March 15. The website and phone number are available 24/7.

Public sites operated by the Florida Department of Health in Pinellas County (DOH-Pinellas) and Pinellas County Government are adding new first dose appointments each week at three sites as additional shipments are received from the state.

The following groups may also continue to schedule appointments through the Patient Portal:

• Residents 65 and older
• Health care personnel who have direct contract with the public of any age
• Pre-K through Grade 12 school employees (public, private, and charter) age 50 and older
• Sworn law enforcement officers age 50 and older
• Firefighters age 50 and older

Identification and proof of eligibility required at all appointments.

Homebound residents can also let the Florida Department of Emergency Management (FDEM) know they are in need by emailing HomeboundVaccine@em.myflorida.com. FDEM will send them a survey and then work with DOH strike teams to deliver vaccines.

FDEM is working on writing up more information for how this program will work and will provide to counties when they complete.

To date, more than 190,000 people have received one or both doses of the vaccine in Pinellas County, including more than 50 percent of seniors.

For the latest information on vaccine availability countywide, visit https://covid19.pinellascounty.org/vaccines.

For information about DOH-Pinellas, go to www.PinellasHealth.com or follow us on Twitter @HealthyPinellas.