TAMPA, Fla. — Weeks into the public vaccination process, many people are still frustrated trying to get a COVID-19 vaccine. People may still have questions on how, where and when they can get the vaccine in the Tampa Bay area. Research shows if you’re one of those people, you’re not alone.
“I’ve called other counties. I’ve called churches. I've done everything, but no luck so far,” said Ann May.
May and her husband, Allen, have tried to get a COVID-19 vaccine however and wherever they can, but they’re finding navigating the process isn’t easy.
“If we see something on the internet, or we see something on TV, or I get some little message on my phone through something, it’s just pure luck,” said Allen.
The Kaiser Family Foundation’s ongoing research project tracks public opinions and attitudes with COVID-19 vaccines. Its latest findings revealed among people 65 and up, about six in ten say they don’t have enough information about when and where they’ll be able to get the vaccine.
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“They don’t have information that is consistent and understandable, and that’s because we have lacked a strategic and tactical plan at the national level, at the state and the local level because we’ve just gotten into this,” said USF Health’s Dr. Jay Wolfson.
Florida has prioritized people 65 and older, those in long-term care facilities, and frontline healthcare workers. Wolfson reminds people to have patience through the process as state and local officials work on vaccine distribution.
“I think the state and the counties are working to get it to work better, but they’re planning to plan, but they are,” said Dr. Wolfson. “They’ve only had a month with the vaccine. We’ve only been into the pandemic for a year, and it surprises us every day with something new, so patience is essential.”