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 vaccinated, wearing a mask, practicing 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:
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?
02. Will I be solicited door-to-door to receive the COVID vaccine?
03. Will I have to take safety precautions after getting the vaccine?
04. I lost my COVID card, how can I ask for a replacement?
05. Can you get infected with COVID from the vaccine?
06. How many shots of the COVID vaccine do I need?
07. Are COVID vaccines safe for seniors 65+?
08. What symptoms should staff of assisted/nursing facilities look out for after vaccination of residents?
09. Is it safe to get vaccinated if I have a medical condition?
10. How to sign up for COVID vaccine in Florida?
11. Where can I get my COVID vaccine?
12. Who is eligible for COVID vaccine in Florida
13. Which COVID vaccine is better?
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:
- MyVaccine.fl.gov (Florida Pre-Registration System)
- Publix Pharmacy Vaccine Appointments
- CVS Pharmacy Vaccine Registration
- Palm Beach County Vaccine Information
- Health Care District Palm Beach County
- CDC Vaccination Information
- Florida Department of Health Vaccine Information
- 211 Support
- Health Care District of PBC (by appointment only)
- Walmart / Sam’s Club Pharmacies
- Winn-Dixie Pharmacies
- Federally-Supported Vaccine Sites