– Kendall Indian Hammocks Park continues to offer free walk-in COVID testing and vaccinations in Miami-Dade. It is suggested to register to speed up the waiting time.
Florida could close all of its public COVID-19 testing, vaccination and treatment centers due to lack of federal funding. However, Miami-Dade plans to continue to offer free tests and vaccinations at numerous locations throughout the county with funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
what does this mean to you?
Can I get a COVID test in Miami-Dade?
You can still get tested in Miami-Dade.
County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava said FEMA will reimburse the county for tests and vaccinations for the uninsured through July 1.
Visit the County’s COVID Test Finder at www.miamidade.gov/global/initiatives/coronavirus/testing-locations.page.
In the search engine, type your zip code and the centers will appear with the description of the tests that are offered, such as the nasal swab PCR test, which gives results in a day or so, and the rapid antigen test that gives results in one hour.
Among the free sites: Stephen P. Clark Center, Curtis Park, Shenandoah Park, Tropical Park, Kendall Indian Hammocks Park, AD Barnes Park, Zoo Miami. Note: The Salvation Army site at 911 W. Flagler St. is listed as temporarily closed. The Miami International Airport (MIA) testing site charges a fee.
Can I get tested for COVID in Broward?
You can still get tested in Broward at eight sites for now. They include the Paul Hughes Health Center in Pompano Beach and the Boulevard Heights Community Center in Hollywood. But a couple will close soon. Broward’s COVID Test Finder is on www.broward.org/CoronaVirus/pages/collection-sites.aspx. The Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport testing site charges a fee.
Among the sites that will close permanently: Markham Park on Thursday, May 19. And Tradewinds Park on Wednesday, May 18.
Can I still get the COVID vaccine in Miami-Dade?
Yes, you can still get a vaccine at a Miami-Dade County site. On www.miamidade.gov/global/initiatives/coronavirus/vaccine/vaccine-locator.page. 26 sites offering free vaccinations in the county are listed.
They include everything from Harris Field in Homestead to the Barbara J. Jordan Health Center in Miami Gardens. And from Zoo Miami in South Miami-Dade to the Little Haiti Clinic and the Miami Beach 17 Street Garage.
Can I get the COVID vaccine in Broward?
Yes, immunizations are available in Broward at three sites that you can find on the list posted at www.broward.org/CoronaVirus/Pages/Vaccination-Sites.aspxBut not for much longer.
These are:
▪ Without an appointment in the Nova Southeastern University at 7901 SW 36th St., Suite 209, Davie. The site is open from noon to 8 pm Monday through Wednesday and from 10 am to 6 pm on Saturday and Sunday. Pfizer offered.
▪ The vaccination center in the car of the Reverend Samuel Delevoe Memorial Park at 2520 NW 6th St., Fort Lauderdale. This vaccination site will close permanently on Friday, May 20. Until then the site is open from 8 am to 4 pm Tuesday through Saturday. Pfizer offered.
▪ Without an appointment in the Biscay Park at 14200 SW 55th St., Miramar. This vaccination site will close permanently on Friday, April 15. Until then the site is open from 10 am to 7 pm Tuesday through Saturday.
Can I get a free COVID test or vaccine at a pharmacy?
Yes, tests and vaccines are available at pharmacies. At this time the main pharmacies in Florida, including Walgreens Y CVS they are still offering COVID tests and shots and boosters, regardless of insurance. Publix Y Winn-Dixie They offer vaccinations, not tests.
Can I get a test or get a shot or booster without insurance?
For now, yes, the uninsured can continue to receive services. The current supply of tests and vaccines was purchased by the federal government and remains free regardless of health insurance coverage.
But once the supply runs out, if Congress doesn’t restore funding, federal authorities won’t be able to buy more, and that means people without health insurance will likely have to pay for testing and treatment. Or some people may have to use safety net hospitals, like Jackson Health, and other programs.
Earlier this week it was announced an agreement in general outlines of $10,000 million with Congress, so stay tuned.
What about monoclonal antibody treatment?
Florida closed more than a dozen public sites that provided free monoclonal antibody treatments for free after federal funding ended.
In Miami-Dade, CDR Health operated state-funded monoclonal antibody treatment sites at Miami Dade College North and Tropical Park. Both sites no longer provide the therapy, but continue to offer vaccination and testing.
Miami Herald Staff Writer Daniel Chang contributed to this article.
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