Today, March 9, 2021, marks one year since Pasco County had its first recorded COVID-19 case. On Dec. 28, 2020, Pasco reached its highest percent positive at 24.1%, but as of March 8, 2021, that percentage is down to 5.4%. The Florida Department of Health in Pasco County (DOH-Pasco), in partnership with Pasco County Emergency Management, Sears at the Gulf View Square Mall and Saint Leo University, continues to provide COVID-19 vaccinations to Florida residents in an effort to keep the percent positive on a downward trend. 

As of Monday, March 8, Pasco County has vaccinated 78,673 people: 42,605 people have received their first doses and 36,068 people have completed their second doses. That’s more than double the total number of COVID-19 cases in Pasco County. 

Over the past several weeks, Pasco County Emergency Management has coordinated the distribution of 21,500 vaccines to people in 55+ communities who are 65 and older. DOH-Pasco is also working with Pasco County Schools to vaccinate employees who are 50 years of age and older. 

DOH-Pasco will now be providing COVID-19 vaccination for residents who are 60 years of age or older, as well as health care providers and first responders. Florida residents age 60 – 64, along with the 65+ residents, will be eligible to sign up with CDR Maguire for appointments at the DOH-Pasco drive-thru vaccination sites at the Gulf View Square Mall and Saint Leo University on Sunday, March 14 at 2:00 p.m. 

However, per the Governor’s Executive Order 21-47, licensed physicians, advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) and pharmacists, in addition to hospital providers, may vaccinate persons under 60 years old whom they deem to be extremely vulnerable to COVID-19. Such physician determinations must include a statement that the patient meets the defined eligibility criteria and established by a Florida Department of Health form. 

DOH-Pasco continues to look for ways to reach and vaccinate residents 65 years of age and older. Working with home health agencies, hospitals and physician’s offices, we are expanding their capacity to provide vaccinations. In coordination with state and county efforts, we are exploring a homebound program to reach individuals in those situations. 

The statewide COVID-19 vaccine registration system is also available. Florida residents can go online to MyVaccine.FL.gov or call 866-201-7092 to be put on a waitlist that is being run by state sponsored sites like the one announced by the Governor last week in Zephyrhills. Many residents were called for appointments at that site from the waitlist.   

More COVID-19 vaccine is becoming available, and community partners – including retail pharmacies, hospital systems and physician’s offices – are beginning to receive COVID-19 vaccine and put infrastructure in place to vaccinate Pasco County residents. There will continue to be more opportunities, as the 60+ residents will be eligible beginning Monday, March 15, to get vaccinated through participating pharmacies, health care providers, and at the DOH-Pasco drive-thru vaccination sites at Gulf View Square Mall and Saint Leo University. 

DOH-Pasco continues to use CDR Maguire Health & Medical (CDR Maguire) for clients to schedule COVID-19 vaccination appointments. Residents must go to patientportalfl.com or call

1-844-770-8548 to create an account. Appointments open every Sunday at 2:00 p.m. for the following week and are not accessible at any other day or time. The DOH-Pasco vaccination sites do not show up on the CDR Maguire Patient Portal unless appointments are available. 

Reminder: Pasco County’s Executive Order issued in an effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19 remains in effect. Face coverings are still required in most indoor public places in Pasco County, where social distancing cannot be maintained. Pasco County’s Face Coverings Order was issued in June and will remain in effect through Pasco’s Local State of Emergency, or until the county rescinds the order, whichever comes first. To see a list ofFrequently Asked Questions about Pasco County’s order, please visit MyPasco.net or call Pasco County Customer Service at 727-847-2411.