CITY OF RIVIERA BEACH

COVID-19 VACCINATION PROGRAM

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: How do I make an appointment to receive a Covid-19 vaccine in the City of Riviera Beach? 

Answer: There are no appointments currently available in the City of Riviera Beach for the Covid-19 vaccine. To receive an appointment when more vaccines are available, you’ll need to check back periodically on the City’s website and by phone. 

As soon as the City receives additional vaccines, we will reach out to the community via phone, email and text message to advise of when the next dose of vaccines will be scheduled. To receive these notifications, please sign up on the City’s new emergency notification system, known as CodeRed, by going to https://public.coderedweb.com/CNE/en-US/BF9F9A0E7923. Make sure to select the “COVID-19 Related Information” under the “Additional Information” section. Also, please continue to monitor our website for updated information. 

Question 2: Can I give my confirmed appointment to someone else? 

Answer: No. If you cannot make the appointment you are scheduled for, you must cancel it.  

Question 3: Who is eligible to receive Covid-19 vaccines? 

Answer: The current phase of vaccinations are limited to those who are 65 years of age or older and a resident of the City of Riviera Beach.

Question 4: What information is necessary to prove age and residency status? 

Answer: Proof of residency must be verified through a government-issued ID with a city address. Occupants of short-term vacation rentals are not eligible. 

Question 5: Are there any exceptions provided for those under age 65? 

Answer: No – our closed Point of Distribution (POD) is only targeting those who are 65 years or older at this time. 

Question 6: How is the City of Riviera Beach able to provide vaccines directly to City residents? 

Answer: Like many other communities in the State of Florida, the City’s Fire-Rescue Department is registered as a Closed Point of Distribution (POD) with the Palm Beach County Health Department. As a Closed POD, we have an agreement that allows us to administer public health countermeasures to a targeted population (City of Riviera Beach Residents initially). Riviera Beach Fire Rescue paramedics will directly provide COVID-19 vaccinations to City Residents. Vaccine supplies are managed by the State and County. The City intends to seek supplies weekly but the number of vaccines received will be determined by the County. 

Question 7: Which vaccine is being administered by the Riviera Beach Fire-Rescue Department? 

Answer: The Moderna vaccine is the current vaccine being provided.

Question 8: Is a second vaccination needed? 

Answer: Yes, those receiving their first vaccine dose will receive information and instructions about the second vaccine dose at their initial appointment. An email or phone call reminder will be sent to notify you when you can schedule your second vaccine. This will be sent to the email address used when you registered for your first vaccine. 

Question 9: Where will vaccines be administered? 

Answer: Locations for future vaccination appointments will be provided when the City receives additional vaccines. 

Question 10: Are there other locations outside of the City to get a vaccine? 

Answer: Yes. Because we cannot guarantee the delivery of additional vaccine supply, residents are encouraged to call or email the Palm Beach County Health Department at 561-625-5180 or chd50feedback@flhealth.gov to get on their list for an appointment at a County vaccination site. You should also check with your doctor or pharmacy to see if they will be providing vaccines and veterans should check with their local VA to see if appointments are available there. 

Question 11: The appointment line opened at 2 pm to all residents. Why did I receive a call after 2 pm notifying me, when all appointments have been filled?

Answer: We’re sorry that you didn’t have the opportunity of scheduling an appointment through our automated system due to the appointments being filled relatively quickly. The notification calls are placed by a computing system. We will do our best to get notifications out as early as possible for any future opportunities we may have.

Question 12: Do I still need to practice social distancing and wear a mask if I receive the vaccine? 

Answer: According to the CDC, yes, you should still wear a mask, practice social distancing, and wash your hands frequently even if you receive the vaccine. 

Question 13: What are the most common side effects? 

Answer: Some common side effects at the injection site include soreness, redness, or warmth to the touch. Some people report chills, fatigue, headache, or fever after getting the vaccine, especially the second dose. For more details about the side effects of the vaccines approved for emergency use, visit the CDC's website.