TAMPA (WFLA) — The state-supported vaccination site at the University Mall in Hillsborough County will permanently relocate to Raymond James Stadium Monday.
To accommodate the change, the state-supported COVID-19 testing site at Raymond James Stadium will permanently relocate to University Mall on Tuesday.
The last day of vaccinations at University Mall will be Saturday. The first day of vaccinations at Raymond James will be Monday.
The last day of COVID-19 testing at Raymond James will be Saturday. The first day of testing at University Mall will be Tuesday.
The health department says the site swap will address logistical problems such as traffic congestion and long wait times that were occurring for seniors awaiting vaccines at University Mall. The relocation to the stadium will allow up to 3,200 people per day.
Several Tampa Bay area seniors, including Barbara Moch, have reached out to 8 On Your Side because they’re anxious about getting a second vaccine dose appointment at Raymond James Stadium.
“I went to University Mall the day after they had that terrible traffic back up on Fowler Avenue,” Moch said.
The technician who administered Moch’s shot gave her a card saying to come back for the second dose of the Pfizer vaccine in three weeks on March 5. She said she has been unable to confirm a time with the state.
“I get the same automated call,” she said. “I’ve never gotten a human being and I was just getting antsy about this coming up and then when I saw they’re changing the venue I thought I’m in trouble now.”
8 On Your Side shared Moch and other viewers concerns in an email to the Florida Division of Emergency Management. Questions specifically asked how and when seniors will get confirmation of the times they should show up at Raymond James Stadium for the second dose.
“And if I don’t get it I’m just gonna drive over there anywhere because I’ve got the card that says I’m supposed to be there March 5,” Moch said.
Individuals who have scheduled first or second-dose vaccine appointments do not need to take any additional action, the health department says. Anyone with vaccine or testing appointments at these locations will have their appointments honored at the new location.
Additionally, if you received your first dose vaccine at University Mall, you will be automatically scheduled to receive your second dose at Raymond James.
If you’re interested in scheduling a vaccine appointment at Raymond James Stadium, you can call 866-200-3896 or visit MyVaccine.FL.gov.
