TAMPA, Fla. — School districts across the Bay area are opening vaccine sites over summer.

In Hillsborough County, health officials say even though Covid tends to be milder in young people, the more people who are vaccinated, the better.

Hillsborough County students even produced a video, with students sharing why they chose to be vaccinated.


What You Need To Know

  • Vaccine sites for students available throughout the summer

  • School districts offering vaccine are several locations

  • MORE: Coronavirus coverage

“I wanted to get vaccinated because I want life to return to normal,” said student Ella Garruto. “I want to hang out with friends, go to the movies, and restaurants.”

Student Quynh Nhu Dang said: “I think teens should get vaccinated because not only will we be protecting ourselves with this vaccine but we'll be protecting others and our loved ones.”

On Friday, the district will open seven vaccine sites for Hillsborough County students, and their families, ages 12 and up. Parents need to be with their kids and give their permission in order for them to be vaccinated.

Hillsborough County Superintendent Addison Davis released a statement saying: "With just two and a half months until the start of a new school year, we want to assure our parents that we are here with resources and support to provide a safe learning environment on all campuses."

Pinellas County schools is doing the same thing, opening vaccine sites at three high schools June 22-24.

In Pasco County, the school district will open vaccine sites at high schools on the same dates. Students who are vaccinated won't have to quarantine next school year if they're exposed to the virus at school. 

Polk County schools already held one vaccine clinic. They’ll hold another for students on June 19.

And in Hernando County, students ages 12-15 can sign up to be vaccinated on June 21.

Vaccine Dates and Sites:

Hillsborough:

Vaccination teams will be on hand to administer the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine and will return to the same school sites on Thursday, July 1 and Friday, July 2 for the second dose.  

  • First Dose, June 11, 3-9 p.m. or June 12, 9 a.m.- 3 p.m. 

  • Second Dose, July 1, 3-9 p.m. or July 2, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. 

  • Gaither High School - 16200 N. Dale Mabry Hwy., Tampa  

  • Middleton High School - 4801 North 22nd Street, Tampa

  • Newsome High School - 16550 Fishhawk Blvd., Lithia

  • Robinson High School - 6311 S. Lois Ave., Tampa

  • Sickles High School - 7950 Gunn Highway in Tampa

  • Strawberry Crest High School - 4691 Gallagher Rd., Dover

  • Wharton High School - 20150 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Tampa

Pinellas: 

June 22 Largo High School

June 23 Gibbs High School

June 24 Pinellas Park High School

Additional Pinellas vaccine details

Pasco:

June 21 JW Mitchell High School & Anclote High School

June 22 Sunlake High School & Fivay High School

June 23 Pasco High School & Wiregrass Ranch High School 

Additional Pasco vaccine details 

Polk:

June 19 Ridge Community High School

Additional Polk vaccine details 

Hernando:

June 21 Challenger K-8

Additional Hernando vaccine details