After getting your appointment for the first dose of either the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, or the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine (we've got you covered here if you need tips on getting that appointment), you'll need to get the booster shot.
No, the vaccines are not interchangeable. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control urges people to get both vaccines from the same manufacturer because the safety and efficacy of a mixed vaccination hasn't been evaluated.
We have listed advice below on how to go about securing your second appointment in South Florida. This guidance will likely change and we'll continue to update this post as we receive new information.
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According to the CDC, the second Pfizer or Moderna dose should be administered as close to the recommended interval as possible, but the second dose of either vaccine may be received up to six weeks (42 days) after the first dose.
Side effects and symptoms after receiving the shot may feel like flu, tiredness, headaches and arm pain.
Venues and counties have different ways to sign qualifying people up for the second shot:
FEDERALLY-SUPPORTED SITES
You can get your second-dose Pfizer shot at Miami Dade College North Campus, even if you didn't get your first-dose here (and first-dose shots are no longer available at this site). Appointments are not necessary, as this is a walkup site. Bring your CDC card with you. The site operates daily, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Miami Dade College North Campus
11380 N.W. 27th Ave.
Miami, FL 33167
MONROE COUNTY
If you received your first dose of the Moderna vaccine via the Department of Health in Monroe County, you'll get a call confirming the second dose appointment time and place.
Those who received their first dose of the Pfizer vaccine at Mariner’s Hospital will be contacted by staff.
You need to return to return to Mariner's for your second dose if that's where you got your first shot.
MIAMI-DADE COUNTY
The Hard Rock Stadium now offers second-dose vaccinations (and first dose) without appointments from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. If you got your first shot at a site like Marlins Park, you could return there on the date on your CDC card. Bring your identification and the CDC card that you received after the first dose. If you have questions, visit the state's vaccine information websiteor call the COVID-19 State Information line at 833-540-2065.
Address: 347 Don Shula Drive in Miami Gardens
The county has a list of frequently asked questions here.
BROWARD COUNTY
You may now get vaccinated at any of the Florida Department of Health in Broward County sites during operating hours or keep your appointment time for the location you received. Bring your CDC vaccination card with you and government issued ID for the second vaccination. Here's a list of the sites and the hours.
If you use Twitter, the department publishes updates on its account.
PALM BEACH COUNTY
If you received your first dose through the Department of Health in Palm Beach County (not the Health Care District), the DOH will contact you to schedule your second dose no later than three weeks since the first one. The DOH in Palm Beach will not administer shots to people who did not get their first dose from them.
Health Care District of Palm Beach County
These sites include South Florida Fairgrounds, South County Civic Center are run by the Health Care District of Palm Beach County. The John Prince Park location is currently closed. Click here for more information.
REGIONWIDE
Hard Rock Stadium is offering first and second shots without appointments from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week. You may also go to the Miami Dade Community College North Campus, 11380 NW 27th Ave. Miami, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. for the second dose.
If you have other questions, you can call 888-499-0840 or fill out the "contact us" form of the Florida Division of Emergency Management.
