TAMPA, Fla. — With the state expanding vaccine eligibility to those ages 40 and up on Monday, March 29, and to all adults age 18 and over starting April 5, Bay area officials are prepping for an influx people getting vaccinated.

Vaccine turnout is expected to rapidly increase starting Monday at vaccine sites, including those at Raymond James Stadium and the Tampa Greyhound Track.

Residents will need an appointment at state managed sites and chances are good for the next couple weeks there will be backlogs of people trying to book appointments like when seniors first started vaccinations in January.

Bay area residents can pre-register for vaccinations at myvaccine.fl.gov. or patientportalfl.com Vaccinations are offered at federally supported sites in Tampa, plus at various locations in the Bay area.

Appointments will be available based on the amount of vaccine available for the week and those appointments will book up quickly. 

The Johnson & Johnson one dose vaccine will be available at state sites the last two weeks of April.

So for those who aren't able to book appointments in the next couple of weeks, with a one dose, you will be fully vaccinated around the same time anyway since you won't have to wait for a second dose.

Meanwhile, officials at the federal site at the Tampa Greyhound Track said they're prepared for the influx of newly eligible people coming for shots.

“If they want to drive up to try to receive the first shot obviously the earlier you come the better your chances are of getting the first shot because we only have a limited amount,” said Ignatius Carroll, Florida Emergency Management Spokesman. “After we’ve exhausted that then that is it. Obviously, you’re going to see a lot of people that try to get in here to get the vaccines, you’re going to see a lot of people that try to get the second dose so that’s where you need to pack your patience.”  

Organizers at the Greyhound Track site say they will be able to give out a 1,000 first dose shots a day until April 7.

Officials at the Florida Division of Emergency Management said they expected the state to receive more than 680,000 first vaccine doses over the next week to distribute throughout the state.

That includes more than 122,000 doses of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, which requires only one dose; more than 350,000 doses of Pfizer; and about 208,000 doses of Moderna.

The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines each require two doses.