Can’t make a COVID vaccine appointment by computer? Here’s where you can call instead
Seniors trying to get a COVID-19 vaccine in South Florida are coming across a roadblock that for some, is making it even more difficult to book an appointment: technology.
Many of the vaccination sites in Miami-Dade and Broward counties, including hospitals, have relied on websites to schedule appointments. Jackson Health System, Miami-Dade County’s public hospital network, has also relied on Twitter to announce when slots go live. So has Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava.
For some seniors, that could mean relying on younger family or friends to book appointments for them. For others who might be on their own, don’t have access to reliable internet or don’t like using the computer, it can feel like they’re last in line.
There are some South Florida vaccination sites, however, that take appointments by phone. This list will be updated as more sites become available. Keep in mind that appointment availability will vary, depending on what day and time you call. And remember, you will be asked to show proof of Florida residency at the site.
How to make a COVID-19 vaccine appointment by phone in Miami-Dade, Broward
▪ Florida now has a statewide pre-registration website and hotline. Seniors, healthcare workers with direct patient contact, long-term care staff and residents, and people with health conditions that make them “at risk” of severe COVID complications can pre-register to be notified when appointments become available at state-run sites in their county. All other Florida residents can sign up for updates on when they can get the vaccine.
For those in Miami-Dade County who don’t have Internet access or would prefer to schedule an appointment by phone, you can call 888-499-0840 or TTY 888-256-8918. For Broward County, call 866-201-6313 or TTY 844-252-2003. For the Florida Keys, call 866-201-7069 or TTY 833-990-2908. For Palm Beach County, call 866-201-6754 or TTY 833-476-1532.
Keep in mind that not all counties will opt-in to this system but you can still pre-register with a county that is.
▪ Miami-Dade County schedules appointments for several vaccination sites including Zoo Miami and Tropical Park. Seniors 65 and older now have the option to call 305-614-2014 instead of using the online portal to book a slot. Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava posts updates about vaccine availability on Twitter.
▪ Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, a popular COVID-19 testing site, is offering vaccinations by appointment to seniors 65 and older and front-line healthcare workers. Call 888-499-0840 or the TTY line at 888-256-8918.
▪ Popular COVID-19 testing site Marlins Park in Miami also has vaccines. For now, there is no municipal residency requirement, which means you do not need to live within city limits to be vaccinated. Miami Mayor Francis Suarez wants to change that. For now, you just need to show proof of Florida residency. To schedule an appointment, call 888-499-0840. The number for the hearing impaired is 888-256-8918.
▪ Leon Medical Centers are scheduling vaccination appointments for seniors 65 and older. Those who seek care at Leon should call customer service at 305-642-5366 to make an appointment. If you need transportation, let the operator know so they can also schedule a driver to pick you up. Leon will continue to offer appointments until it runs out of vaccines.
▪ The Florida Department of Health in Broward County has changed its scheduling process. Front-line healthcare workers and seniors 65 and older can now call 866-201-6313 to see if slots are available. The number for the hearing impaired is 833-476-1526.
Appointments are available at the numbers above for the following Broward locations:
Tradewinds Park, 3600 W. Sample Rd., Coconut Creek
Vista View Park, 4001 SW 142nd Ave., Davie
Markham Park & Target Range, 16001 W. State Road 84 in Sunrise
Snyder Park, 3299 SW Fourth Ave., set to open Tuesday.
Central Broward Park and Broward County Stadium, 3700 NW 11th Pl. in Lauderhill.
Coral Square Mall in Coral Springs.
▪ Mount Sinai Medical Center in Miami Beach, Broward Health and Memorial Healthcare System were taking appointments by phone but slots filled up quickly.
This article will be updated.
This story was originally published January 25, 2021 at 12:22 PM.
