EXPLAINED: When, where and how Texans can receive the COVID-19 vaccine – Community Impact Newspaper

In addition to vaccine hubs, there are also smaller community vaccine providers throughout Texas, such as pharmacies, that may also have the vaccine available. (Eva Vigh/Community Impact Newspaper)

To answer these questions, Douglas Loveday, press officer for the Texas Department of State Health Services, spoke with Community Impact Newspaper about the vaccination process. While Loveday said vaccine supply is limited in Texas as of Jan. 19, the state is still receiving more vaccine doses on a weekly basis, meaning those who want to get inoculated should continue to stay in contact with their local vaccine provider.

"Also, other vaccines may soon be approved for use in the next several weeks, promising even more vaccine doses available for Texas weekly," Loveday said. "But until all who want a vaccination receives one, continue to wear a mask, avoid crowds and keep a safe distance from others, and get vaccinated when able."

The following information comes from Community Impact Newspaper's interview with Loveday and the Texas Department of State Health Services.

Who can get vaccinated when?

In an effort to provide the most protection to vulnerable populations and critical state resources, the Texas Department of State Health Services has developed vaccine allocation guidelines, which outline who will get vaccinated when. Currently, Texans in Phase 1A and 1B are eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Once these individuals are inoculated, the vaccine will become more readily available to the general public, which will likely occur in spring 2021, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services.

Phase 1A and 1B individuals are as follows:

Phase 1A

Vaccination hubs were set up throughout Texas in January to assist with rolling out the COVID-19 vaccine. According to Loveday, the hubs aim to simplify the vaccination process and are designed to serve all people who are eligible to receive a vaccine, regardless of what county they live in.

As of press time, there are no vaccination hubs located in the counties of Brazoria, Comal, Guadalupe or Waller counties, which Community Impact Newspaper also covers. For a complete list of vaccination hubs and COVID-19 vaccine providers, click here.

AUSTIN

Hays County

Collin County

Fort Bend County

How can I get vaccinated?

To receive a vaccine, Loveday said Texans have a few options. While each vaccination hub and community vaccine provider operates differently, Loveday said individuals wanting to be vaccinated should first check the provider's instructions for scheduling a vaccination, either online or by phone. Depending on the provider, patients may be placed on a waiting list or contacted by the provider via phone, email or text when vaccines become available.

Loveday urged Texans to not show up at a vaccination provider without an appointment, as waiting lists are already filling up and vaccine supply is limited.

"Remember, vaccine is still in limited supply, so there may be long waiting lists," Loveday said. "Please, don't just show up there. Check out the provider's website to learn how to sign up for a vaccine. Call if the provider's site doesn't answer your question."

In addition to vaccination hubs and community vaccine providers, Loveday said Texans should also stay in touch with their personal health care providers for updates on when they will be vaccinating patients. Older adults can also reach out to their Area Agency on Aging for assistance. To find a local Area Agency on Aging, click here.

Additionally, Loveday said the Texas Department of State Health Services has also established a COVID-19 Nurse Call Center, which Texans can contact by calling 877-570-9779 Monday-Friday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m., calling Texas 2-1-1 and selecting Option 6, or emailing coronavirus@dshs.texas.gov.

For more information about the COVID-19 vaccine, click here.

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EXPLAINED: When, where and how Texans can receive the COVID-19 vaccine - Community Impact Newspaper