BRADENTON, Fla. — People 65 and older are now receiving the COVID-19 vaccine in Manatee County.

Dr. Jennifer Benice with the Florida Department of Health in Manatee County confirmed the state has provided them with 3,500 doses of the Moderna vaccine. These vaccines are allotted specifically for seniors with a valid ID. 

In order to receive the vaccine, seniors must reserve a spot by booking an appointment online at www.mymanatee.org/vaccine or by phone using the county’s 311 information hotline.

What You Need To Know

  • People 65 and older can get Covid-19 vaccine in Manatee County starting Wednesday

  • Don't need to be a Manatee County resident

  • Seniors must make an appointment for shot

  • Book an online appointment:  www.mymanatee.org/vaccine

The first wave of signups were made available on Tuesday morning and all appointments were accounted for in less than one hour. Later that afternoon, a second wave of appointments were posted to the website, but those slots have also been filled. 

“We just understand the importance of it and we’re just happy we’re going to be able to get the vaccine, so whatever effort it takes it's worth it,” said Parrish resident Bill Wipperman.

Bill and his wife Marcie’s lives have been dramatically impacted by the virus. They have been spending most of their time at home and haven’t seen their children in more than a year. 

“Maybe we’ll get to see our family again,” Marcie said through tears.

Bradenton resident Alice Sheehan also had trouble reserving an appointment on Tuesday morning. She couldn’t get the booking website to load as it was inundated with hundreds of requests all at the same time. 

“It was stressful,” she said. “When I saw it was all filled up, I was really a little upset.”

Sheehan decided to call the county’s 311 hotline to see if there was any recourse. About two hours later, an operator called Sheehan back and provided a link to a new set of appointments. She was able to secure a spot for a vaccination this weekend. 

“It feels like the best Christmas present,” Sheehan said.

According to a spokesperson for the county, as soon as the county distributes 3,000 vaccines, the state will send additional shots. 

More booking options for appointments are expected to become available over the next couple of days and are free of charge.

While you must be 65 or older to receive one, there is no residency requirement. The only stipulation is that you must return to the same vaccination site 28 days after receiving the first dose for the follow up shot. 

Vaccines will be distributed from the Public Safety Center, 2101 47th Terrace East, Bradenton on Wednesday and Thursday.

On Friday, the county will shift the operation to Tom Bennett Park just off I-75 & SR-64. ​