The Florida Department of Health Polk County’s COVID-19 vaccine portal is now open for reservations, eligibility to those 50 years old and older, who wish to be inoculated once vaccine becomes available, according to the most recent executive order from Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. COVID-19 vaccinations also will include:

• Long-term care facility residents and staff
• Health care personnel with direct patient contact
• K-12 school employees 50 years of age and older
• Sworn law enforcement officers 50 years of age and older
• Firefighters 50 years of age and older

Through the portal, you can create an account and upload your personal information for a future appointment. You can also learn more about the vaccine being administered by the Florida Department of Health and have other frequent questions answered.

Advanced practice registered nurses and pharmacists may also vaccinate persons determined by a physician to be extremely vulnerable to COVID-19. This determination from a physician must be documented using the EO-21-47-Form and include a statement from the physician that the patient meets eligibility criteria outlined on the Florida Department of Health website.

Those who meet criteria for the extremely vulnerable group may receive a COVID-19 vaccine at a local pharmacy or register on Polk County’s vaccination portal.

As of now, Reliance Medical Centers is administering the Moderna vaccine.

The Moderna vaccine is a two-dose series separated by 28 days.

Your second appointment will be scheduled after you receive your first dose, before you leave the vaccination appointment. It is important to follow the instructions exactly as they are provided to you so that the vaccine administered in the follow-up appointment is the same kind as the initial dose, and to achieve maximum effectiveness of the vaccine.

There is no cost to be vaccinated with the health department and insurance is not required.

No. Appointments are mandatory to receive a COVID-19 vaccine.

Quantities of the vaccine are limited and are in great demand. Please be assured that we are making every effort to vaccinate residents as quickly as possible based on the quantities of vaccine that are provided by the State of Florida. As availability of the vaccine grows and demand evens out, it will be easier to ensure everyone who qualifies receives an appointment.

• Proof of residency of the State of Florida consistent with the criteria set forth in § 381.986(5)(b), Fla Stat.; or
• A photo ID with your name and date of birth (for example: Florida driver’s license, state-issued ID, or passport)
• Proof of your appointment (printed copy or screenshot of the confirmation email or text message)
• Completed Moderna Consent form
• If you are receiving the inoculation as extremely vulnerable you must bring a completed EO-21-47-Form
• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that people wear a mask that covers their nose and mouth when receiving any vaccine, including a COVID-19 vaccine. Anyone who has trouble breathing or is unable to remove a mask without assistance should not wear a mask.