Vaccination Sites Ready For Influx After Johnson & Johnson Vaccine Paused
MIAMI (CBSMiami) - There were long lines at Hard Rock Stadium Wednesday, as people anxious to get the COVID vaccine poured into the parking lot.
There are no appointments necessary at the site. And with the Johnson & Johnson vaccine on hold and the only other no-appointment site at Miami Dade College North, which is just offering the second dose of the Pfizer vaccine, more people are traveling to the stadium.
"We haven't run out of vaccine which is very fortunate. We make sure we do not waste any vaccine," says Dr. Rashid Chotani who is withAshbritt IEM health, the company that has just started running the site under a contract with the state of Florida.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the US Food and Drug Administration recommended on Tuesday that the United States pause the use of Johnson & Johnson's COVID-19 vaccine after six reported US cases of a "rare and severe" type of blood clot.
Later in the morning, Governor Ron DeSantis said the state would abide by the federal recommendation and pause the use of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
The vaccination site at Hard Rock Stadium said they able to meet increased demand for vaccines. The state-run site, in partnership with AshBritt-IEM Health, offers first and second doses of the Pfizer vaccines. No appointments are needed. However, those seeking shots are strongly encouraged to pre-register at COMMVAX.PatientPortalFL.com to reserve a window for their vaccine. The window is an approximation, recipients can join the line when they arrive.
The site is doing about 4,000 vaccinations per day.
"We have not run out of vaccine and we do not waste any vaccine," said Johns Hopkins trained Dr. Rashid Chotani who is with AshBritt-IEM Health.
"I feel so happy, oh my God," said Cecilla Devila, who waited three hours for her first dose of the Pfizer vaccine.
"I feel more free. This problem is so difficult, I hope everyone gets it," she said.
Rene Bodden of Miami Lakes works in the music industry. He thinks this puts him on the path to normalcy.
"I feel relieved and I hope everyone will do the same," he said.
Recipients can get their second dose at the site if they received the first dose elsewhere. However, they must bring their CDC vaccination card and a Florida government ID.
The site is open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Anyone in line at 10 p.m. will be vaccinated.
The site is vaccinating those 16 and older. Teens 16 and 17 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. They must bring birth certificate, legal documents (if guardian) and ID for both the teen and the parent/guardian
The parent or guardian must remain in the vehicle with the teen the entire time on site.
Seasonal residents seeking a vaccination must provide a copy of two of the following that shows proof of residential address:
- A deed, mortgage, monthly mortgage statement, mortgage payment booklet, or residential rental or lease agreement.
- One proof of residential address from the season resident's parent, step-parent or legal guardian, or another person with whom the seasonal resident resides and a statement from the person with whom the seasonal resident resides stating that the seasonal resident does reside with him or her.
- A utility hook-up or work order dated within 60 days before registration.
- A utility bill, not more than 2 months old.
- Mail from a financial institution, including checking, savings, or investment account statements, not more than 2 months old.
- Mail from a federal, state, county, or municipal government agency, not more than 2 months old.
At the FEMA-supported, state run site at Miami Dade College North, only second doses of the Pfizer vaccine are being given.
On Tuesday, the site administered 2,994 doses of the Pfizer vaccine and 134 doses of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine before they were ordered to pause. Tuesday was the last day for the two spoke sites at Hadley Park in Liberty City and in Cutler Bay.
Anyone needing their second dose of the Pfizer vaccine can go to the Miami Dade College North Campus. The site is open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Those seeking their second dose must bring CDC Shot Card and Florida ID.
Broward Health said they are also ready to help those affected by the Johnson & Johnson pause.
Those seeking a shot can call (954) 756-6500 to register for an appointment, many of which are available the same day and throughout the week. People can also visit BrowardHealth.org and fill out the online request form.
Broward Health's vaccination sites have virtually no wait time, as patients are typically in and out in 45 minutes, including observation. They are currently vaccinating up to 2,000 people daily.
Anyone 16 years of age or older is eligible to receive the vaccine. Vaccinations are by appointment only.
At Publix pharmacies, a main distributor of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, residents can go to Publix.com/Covidvaccine to schedule an appointment for the Moderna vaccine
The Moderna and Pfizer vaccines continue to be administered in Miami-Dade, Broward, and Monroe counties to those 18 and up. They are available at these locations. Those 16 and 17 up can only get the Pfizer vaccine.