The Hays County Health Department received notice today that beginning March 29, 2021, all adults will be eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine in Texas.
According to the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), the state expects to receive more vaccine supplies beginning next week. The state’s Expert Vaccine Allocation Panel recommended opening vaccination to everyone who falls under the current Food and Drug Administration emergency use authorizations to protect as many Texans as possible. DSHS is also asking vaccine providers to prioritize those age 80 and older when scheduling appointments.
Hays County Health Department Director Tammy Crumley said the expansion of eligibility for recipients is a good thing and she welcomes any changes that allow more of the population who wish to receive the COVID-19 vaccine the opportunity to do so.
“Hays County will continue to work with our valued partners, including physicians and pharmacies, as well as Live Oak Health Partners, to get people vaccinated,” she said.
In terms of signing up for the vaccine, Crumley said Hays County still has a pre-registration list that can be found on www.haysinformed.com. Those without access to the internet or who are not technologically savvy can call
833-521-2766 and a volunteer will assist them in getting registered.
Those on the list will be given appointments in the same manner that has been used since the county established a sign-up list earlier this year. All vaccine doses will still be given by appointment only.
“Individuals on the list should still expect to receive an email, text and/or phone call or voice mail with their appointment information,” Crumley said.
According to the DSHS news release, the state is also launching an online sign-up portal soon. The public will be able to enroll in the Texas Public Health Vaccine Scheduler to identify upcoming vaccine clinics hosted by DSHS or a participating local health department and be notified when new clinics and appointments become available. In addition, a phone number will be established for those who need assistance signing up for a vaccine. The Hays County Health Department will share that information when it is available.
To date, Hays County has administered more than 25,000 doses (first and second) of the COVID-19 vaccine, the majority of which were from Pfizer.
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