TAMPA – Confusion and long queues ruined vaccinations Thursday at the state-run site at University Mall, where people waited hours and some elderly people were turned away before they could get their second dose.
The row of diaper cars stretched more than two miles at one point, the latest illustration of how the vaccine explosion has gone wrong in Florida over the past two months. The unprecedented logistical challenge of giving Floridians access to the vaccines is constantly hampered by unclear, conflicting or changing distribution plans, poor communication and limited supplies that have sometimes led to chaos.
Thursday’s issues stem in part from confusion about people showing up for second doses without appointments – though that was not the only problem that caused delays.
According to a spokesperson for the health department, the last vaccination only took place at 20:45. About 3,500 people received doses.
The state had to bring in additional staff to work through the evening to make sure everyone was vaccinated with an appointment, said Samantha Bequer, a spokeswoman for the Florida Emergency Management Division.
“Individuals who do not have an appointment to receive a COVID-19 vaccine will be asked to return only if they have an appointment,” Bequer said in an email.
The University Mall vaccination site was originally opened by Hillsborough County as one of its vaccination sites, but was taken over as a state-sponsored site three weeks ago. The timing means that the first people who receive doses from the state-sponsored version of the site are now starting to return for second doses.
Hillsborough County has previously told residents who received first doses at their vaccination centers that they should return to the same place 21 days later for their second doses, even if they did not receive an appointment confirmation, Kevin Watler confirmed, a Hillsborough health department spokesman.
But the state’s rules are different.
‘Those needed for second shots will be vaccinated. We apologize for the inconvenience and know it’s incredibly frustrating, ”said Watler. He said there were an “overwhelming” number of individuals showing up without appointments. He said he expects the site to wait longer this weekend.
Bequer said in a statement that people receiving first doses on a state-sponsored website will receive a call from the state before the date indicated on their vaccination card so that an appointment for a second dose can be scheduled.
Yvonne Yolie Capin, 71, said she had never received such a call.
Capin, who served on the Tampa City Council from 2010 to 2019, said she arrived at the University Mall at 9 a.m. for her second shot and waited more than three hours before being turned away.
She has never received a call for an appointment for her second dose and has yet to reach anyone to make sure she would be okay to return on Thursday. Her vaccination card on Thursday contains the date on which she would make her second appointment. She said she read that she should return 21 days after her first shot, even without an appointment.
When Capin finally reached a checkpoint, she was turned away, she said.
“It’s very, very confusing,” she said.
She is determined not to return to the University Mall website, even if it means she misses her second dose and has to start the vaccination process all over again, she said.
By 2 p.m., about 4,000 cars were queuing for vaccinations. A provincial health department official has stopped at some points in Fowler Avenue to 56th Street.
Pamela Hackenberry was waiting in one of those cars.
The 65-year-old said she had an afternoon appointment to get her first shot. She arrives half an hour ahead of time after driving from Clearwater Beach.
Another 2 hours later there was another long line of cars in front of her.
“I can not understand why I am waiting so long,” she said. “This is crazy.”
In a nearby car, Victoria Reynoso, 66, became concerned. Her appointment was at 1pm and she was not near the front of the queue. Her air conditioner did not work and all she had was a bottle of water. “I’m worried,” she said.
Valerie Pyles (72) and her husband, Denzel Rogers (74), waited even longer. They said around 2:30 p.m., that they had been waiting in line for six hours for appointments at 9:45 a.m. and 10:45 p.m. Pyles needs oxygen and she’s starting to worry about how long the wait will last.
At 4 p.m., police vehicles blocked some of the entrances to prevent more cars from arriving at the vaccination site.
Al Larcher and his wife Michele, both 76 and from Sun City Center, continued from their place in the queue far from the vaccination region. They had been queuing at 10 a.m. since shortly before the appointment. Lunch was an apple and peanut butter biscuit. They used the toilets at a gas station in Fowler Avenue while waiting in line for cars on the road.
According to Thursday, more than 102,000 Hillsborough residents received at least one dose of coronavirus vaccine. Not all doses come from the University Mall website.
The province has so far reported more than 105,000 cases of coronavirus and more than 1,400 deaths.
Bequer said that people who have passed the date on their vaccination card for a second dose and who have not yet been contacted about setting up a second appointment, go to myvaccine.fl.gov, fill in their contact information and the menu choose. It says “No, I’m looking for a second dose” when asked if the user wants a first dose.
“The state is working to schedule appointments for the second dose as soon as possible, and we ask that individuals remain patient during this time,” Bequer said.
Times correspondent William March contributed to this report.
• • •
HOW CORONAVIRUS SPREADED IN FLORIDA: Find the latest numbers for your country, city or zip code.
SETTINGS V & A: Do you have questions about coronavirus vaccination? We have answers, Florida.
FACE MASKS: Read the latest guidelines, tips for comfort and long-lasting wear
GET THE DAY STARTER MORNING DATE: Sign in to receive the latest information.
THE CORONAVIRUS SCRAPBOOK: We have collected your stories, pictures, songs, recipes, magazines and more to show what life was like during the pandemic.
AN EXTENSION TO THE FLORIDIANS MADE BY CORONAVIRUS: They were parents and retirees, police officers and doctors, imperfect, but they loved each other very much.
DO YOU HAVE A TIP? Send us confidential news tips
We work hard to bring you the latest news about the coronavirus in Florida. Many resources are needed to gather and update. If you have not yet signed up, consider buying a printed or digital subscription.