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News about coronavirus in Florida and around the world is constantly emerging. It's hard to stay on top of it all but Health News Florida can help. Our responsibility is to keep you informed, and to help discern what’s important for your family as you make what could be life-saving decisions.

'Ample' COVID-19 Vaccine Appointments Available In Pinellas County

person holding syringe and vial
CDC

County officials are urging residents eligible now to make appointments for this week before the state opens up availability to people 60 and older.

Pinellas County residents eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine can still make appointments for this week.

After releasing a new wave of slots over the weekend, county officials announced Monday there was still “ample” space at public vaccination sites in the community.

It’s a stark contrast from early in vaccine rollout when appointments in the county would fill up almost as soon as they became available.

Gov. Ron DeSantis cited “softened demand” statewide as his reason for lowering the eligibility age in Florida to 60 starting next week.

Pinellas officials are urging seniors 65 and older, as well as health workers, first responders and K-12 school staff 50 and older to get their shots this week before demand increases with a larger pool of people seeking appointments.

These groups can all sign up at or by calling 844-770-8548.

Officials say more than 172,000 people have received at least one dose of the vaccine in the county so far, including more than 50 percent of the senior population.

Copyright 2021 WUSF Public Media - WUSF 89.7

Stephanie Colombini joined WUSF Public Media in December 2016 as Producer of Florida Matters, WUSF’s public affairs show. She’s also a reporter for WUSF’s Health News Florida project.