FEMA Supported COVID-19 Vaccination Sites Return To Florida City, Sweetwater This Week
MIAMI (CBSMiami) - The two FEMA-funded, state-run COVID-19 vaccination sites in Miami-Dade have reopened in Florida City and Sweetwater.
Second dose shots of the Pfizer vaccine are being given at Sweetwater's Ronselli Park and Florida City's youth center.
"The first satellite sites we had were in Sweetwater and Florida City. Those sites will be in operation starting Wednesday for one week. So if you had your first dose vaccine you can return to those sites or go to the Miami Dade College North Campus site," said vaccination sites spokesman Mike Jachles.
"We had already met out 500 allotment by 9 a.m. The staff here was able to obtain additional doses," he added.
Those receiving their second dose must bring their CDC shot card and Florida government ID.
These two satellite sites are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. through April 14th.
Althea Stanley-Lee received her second shot.
"It was smooth, smooth sailing, I walked right through, got my shot and waited 15 minutes," she said.
She could not be more thrilled that she's gotten both shots, one step closer to safety.
"I am so excited. I text my family, I put it on Facebook. I am so excited to have it. I feel safe," she said.
She came to the Miami-Dade College North Campus run by FEMA where the concentration is on second doses. They're still taking at least 500 people a day for first doses - but they're administering more when they can.
Dalia and Manny Rodriguez received their second vaccination shot at the site in Sweetwater. They came here for their first, now was the time to get the last one.
"That completes the cycle, that you get the first one, then the second one," said Manny Rodriguez..
Dr. Aileen Marty from Florida International University stresses the importance of people completing their vaccinations.
"Now with these variants and the fact that they have these escape mutations, we need to get closer to 85 or 90% of the population with resistance in order to overcome those variants and really help get rid of the virus everywhere," she said.
As hundreds of thousands are getting vaccinated here, Dr. Marty warns, "don't let your guard down."
"I'm concerned because there are way too many people, especially young people who are acting as if the pandemic is over and it's really not over," said Marty.
The main FEMA-funded site at Miami Dade College North Campus is offering first and second doses through April 7th. The site will only offer the second dose of the Pfizer vaccine from April 7 through April 14.
It is open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
No appointments are needed for these three walk-up sites.
Vaccinations are given to people 50 and older, K-12 teachers and school employees, firefighters and police officers 50 years and older, and people with medical conditions who bring a doctor's note or signed form from the Florida Department of Health.