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Palm Beach County Covid Vaccine - Registration, Appointment & Finder

Page Last Updated: 08/19/2021

Adults of 65+ with underlying medical conditions such as cancer or chronic lung diseases are at an increased risk for severe illnesses from COVID. The CDC recommends that adults 65 years and older receive COVID-19 vaccines. The COVID vaccines are effective at increasing protection against diseases and deaths from COVID-19 and variants of COVID that are currently circulating around the world, including the Delta variant.

It is recommended that seniors take preventive measures to protect themselves and those around them from getting COVID; preventive measures include: getting vaccinatedwearing a maskpracticing physical distancing, and washing hands.

Vaccination eligibility

According to the Governor’s Executive Order, all Florida residents are eligible to receive any COVID vaccines as prescribed by the FDA, FREE of charge and at any qualified location. Florida residents eligible to receive the vaccine are individuals:

  • Ages 18 and over for the Moderna vaccine
  • Ages 12 and over for the Pfizer vaccine (a legal guardian must be present at the appointment of those who are 17 years old and younger)

COVID vaccine sign up for homebound seniors

If you are homebound (i.e. can’t leave your place of residence without a considerable amount of effort, and/or require the use of a mobility assistant such as a cane or a walker), you are encouraged by the Florida Division of Emergency Management to sign up to receive a COVID vaccine at your place of residence/facility. To schedule an appointment, fill out the survey available here. Assistance via email or phone is also available:

HomeboundVaccine@em.myflorida.com
(866) 779-6121

A representative from the Florida Division of Emergency Management will contact you within 3 days to collect more information about your needs and schedule your vaccination appointment.

How to prepare for COVID vaccine

Make sure the vaccination site has accessibility for older adults and individuals with disabilities; ensure the following:

  • Someone can help accommodate for the needs of older adults and people with disabilities (e.g. provide mobility assistance if needed).
  • The vaccination site follows CDC recommendations for preventing the spread of COVID, such as enforcing individuals to wear masks, maintaining 6 feet distance
  • Able to provide curbside or drive-through vaccination if needed

Palm Beach COVID vaccine finder

Need help getting your COVID vaccine?

After you get vaccinated

If you are fully vaccinated you may resume the activities that you did prior to the pandemic, however, in order to maximize protection from other possible variants of COVID such as the Delta variant, you should continue taking safety measures such as wearing a mask, washing hands and practicing safe distancing. Inform your home health care agency or caregiver of your recent vaccination.

Common side effects after receiving a COVID shot

  • Pain, redness, or swelling where you get your shot
  • Tiredness
  • Headache
  • Muscle pain
  • Chills
  • Fever
  • Nausea

These symptoms can be a normal sign that your immune system is successfully responding to the COVID vaccine. Learn more about what to expect after getting your vaccine.

Becoming fully vaccinated

Generally, individuals are considered fully vaccinated:

  • 2 weeks after their second dose in a 2-dose series, such as the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, or
  • 2 weeks after a single-dose vaccine, such as Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine

If you do not meet any of the above requirements, regardless of your age, you are NOT considered fully vaccinated.

Important note: If you have a certain health condition or if you are taking any medications that could weaken your immune system, you may not be fully protected even if you are considered fully vaccinated. If this is the case, you should continue taking all safety precautions until advised otherwise by your healthcare provider.

Continue taking all safety measures after getting your vaccine

  • If you are not fully vaccinated, continue taking safety precautions such as washing hands and wearing protective face mask if you are in a public place with people within close proximity. Generally, you don’t have to wear a protective mask in outdoor settings unless it is in an area with high number of COVID cases.
  • People who have a condition or are taking medications that weaken their immune system may not be fully protected even if they are fully vaccinated, and should continue taking all safety precautions recommended such as wearing a face mask.
  • If you are fully vaccinated, continue taking safety precautions until advised otherwise by your healthcare provider.

Frequently Asked Questions

01. How much does the vaccine cost?
As of August, 2021, the federal government announced that the COVID-19 vaccines are FREE for all people. Whether you have Medicaid, Medicare, or private insurance, or if you do not have insurance at all, the COVID vaccine is FREE. Note: Vaccine providers may bill your insurance company for any expenses related to the vaccination, therefore, if you are insured, make sure to bring your insurance card (along with any other important information related to your insurance company; or as instructed by the vaccine provider) with you to your vaccination appointment.
02. Will I be solicited door-to-door to receive the COVID vaccine?
No, you will not be solicited. The COVID vaccine is not required, however, it is very recommend that you get vaccinated.
03. Will I have to take safety precautions after getting the vaccine?
The COVID vaccines are very effective at decreasing your risk for COVID related illnesses, it is not clear at this time whether the vaccines are effective at reducing the chances of contracting COVID, being asymptomatic carrier of the virus and unknowingly/unintentionally infecting others around you. It is recommended to: -Wear a face mask in public, and any other protective equipment as instructed per your medical expert -Maintain a 6 feet distance from strangers -Wash hands frequently -Avoid large crowds
04. I lost my COVID card, how can I ask for a replacement?
If you have misplaced or lost your COVID vaccination card, in order for you to replace it you will need to contact the same organization from where you initially received your card. If you have received your COVID card from the Health Care District of Palm Beach County, please visit hcdpbc.org.
05. Can you get infected with COVID from the vaccine?
No, you can't get COVID from the vaccine.
06. How many shots of the COVID vaccine do I need?
It depends on the kind of COVID vaccine you get, although you may require a second shot 3 - 4 weeks after the initial one. Please consult with your physician and/or the organization from where you have/planning to get your vaccine shot.
07. Are COVID vaccines safe for seniors 65+?
Studies show that COVID vaccines are safe & effective in preventing illnesses from COVID. The vaccines were evaluated in tens of thousands of clinical trials and met the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) rigorous scientific standards for safety, effectiveness, and manufacturing quality needed to support emergency use authorization (EUA). Learn more: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/safety/safety-of-vaccines.html
08. What symptoms should staff of assisted/nursing facilities look out for after vaccination of residents?
Immediately after vaccination, staff members should keep seniors in the in-house clinic and keep an eye out for symptoms/signs of allergies such as rash, itching, or difficulty breathing. For most seniors, a 15 minute observation period is enough, however, for some a longer period is needed - cases vary. For a few days following vaccination, staff members should keep an eye out for flue like symptoms, such as fever, achiness or tiredness. Note: Those who get the vaccine may exhibit some side effects that could affect the individual's ability to do daily activities, or simply appear unusual, though these are normal signs that the immune system is responding to the virus. Such symptoms should go away naturally after a few days. For seniors: If any clinically significant symptoms arise, such as swelling or bruising, or changes in behavior (even if the symptoms are unclear), immediately contact your caregiver, staff member or call for emergency help.
09. Is it safe to get vaccinated if I have a medical condition?
Yes, COVID vaccination is particularly important for seniors with underlying health problems such as heart disease, diabetes and obesity. Individuals with such conditions are more likely to get very sick from COVID.
10. How to sign up for COVID vaccine in Florida?
Register at vaccines.gov or call 1-800-232-0233 for more information.
11. Where can I get my COVID vaccine?
You can get your COVID vaccine at any eligible provider/location; use the vaccine finder at the top of this page.
12. Who is eligible for COVID vaccine in Florida
Ages 18 and over are eligible for the Moderna vaccine; ages 12 and over for the Pfizer vaccine (a legal guardian must be present at the appointment of those who are 17 years old and younger).
13. Which COVID vaccine is better?
Consult your physician to determine which vaccine is the right one for you. Each COVID vaccine is unique, however all of them may help with increased immunity to COVID and its variants. There are 3 vaccines authorized by the FDA: Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson. The Pfizer vaccine is recommended for anyone 12 or older, and the dosage is two shots 21 days apart. The vaccination is fully effective two weeks after the second shot. The Moderna vaccine is recommended for adults 18 and older, and the dosage is two shots 28 days apart. The vaccination is fully effective two weeks after the second dosage. The Johnson & Johnson is recommended for adults 18 and older, and the dosage is a single shot. The vaccination is fully effective two weeks after the initial shot.

Important Resources Regarding COVID & Vaccinations

Information regarding COVID, and the COVID vaccines is always changing. Below are links to important resources/information where you can learn more about vaccination appointments, and other general information:

Need help getting your COVID vaccine?