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1. Where is the vaccine available?

Texas continues to receive doses of the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines, and is distributing statewide to hospitals, pharmacies, local health departments, freestanding ERs and other clinics. As vaccine availability increases in 2021, people will be able to get vaccinated at doctor’s offices, pharmacies, hospitals and other approved sites. You should contact your regular provider of vaccines to see whether they will be a provider of the COVID-19 vaccine. You can also visit the DSHS website for more information on where the vaccine is currently available.

2. Who can get the vaccine now?

According to the DSHS website  frontline healthcare workers and residents at long-term care facilities (called Phase 1A) plus people over 65 with a chronic medical condition that puts at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19 (called Phase 1B) are currently eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

Phase 1B recipients include:

• People 65 years of age and older
• People 16 years of age and older with at least one chronic medical condition that puts them at increased risk for severe illness from the virus that causes COVID-19, such as but not limited to:
  • Cancer
  • Chronic kidney disease
  • COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
  • Heart conditions, such as heart failure, coronary artery disease or cardiomyopathies
  • Solid organ transplantation
  • Obesity and severe obesity (body mass index of 30 kg/m2 or higher)
  • Pregnancy
  • Sickle cell disease
  • Type 2 diabetes

3. How is the vaccine being distributed?

According to the DSHS website the Texas Commissioner of Health appointed an Expert Vaccine Allocation Panel (EVAP) of subject matter experts to make recommendations on vaccine allocation decisions.  This includes identifying groups that should be vaccinated first.  The goal is to provide the most protection to vulnerable populations and critical state resources.  Other groups will receive vaccines in coming months, as more vaccines are made available. We encourage you to check the DSHS website for the latest vaccine availability in Texas.

4. How was the vaccine developed?

The federal government, under the umbrella of Operation Warp Speed has been working since the start of the pandemic to make a safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine available. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) carefully reviews all safety data from clinical trials and an authorizes emergency vaccine use only when the expected benefits outweigh potential risks. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) reviews all safety data before recommending any COVID-19 vaccine for use. Learn how ACIP makes vaccine recommendations. FDA and CDC will continue to monitor the safety of COVID-19 vaccines, to make sure even very rare side effects are identified.

5. If I'm eligible for the vaccine now, how do I get one?

The week of January 11, Texas will direct most COVID-19 vaccines received to large sites or hubs around the state to vaccinate more than 100,000 people.

• The goal of this plan is to provide more people the vaccine and a simpler way to sign up for an appointment.
• Providers will focus on vaccinating areas and populations hardest hit by COVID-19.

If you are in Phase 1 and eligible to receive the vaccine, please check the COVID‑19 Vaccination Hub Providers page to find a hub near you and learn how to register.

Alternately, you can also check the websites of vaccine providers listed on the Texas COVID‑19 Vaccine Availability map to see if they have enough vaccine supply at this time.

Remember:

• Do not show up at a hospital or clinic looking for vaccine.
• Instead please check their website for information about vaccine availability.
• Call only if the website doesn’t answer your questions.

Vaccine hubs aim to provide more vaccines quicker and easier. Texas vaccine supply is limited (but more arrives every week) and it will take time to vaccinate all.

6. What should I do to protect myself and others before a vaccine is available?

Practice the same safety habits you’ve been doing to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Take the following precautions to limit exposure for yourself and others:

• Wear a mask or cloth face covering in public and when around people who don’t live in your household, especially when social distancing is not possible.
• Practice social distancing and avoid close contact with others:
  • Outside your home: Stay at least 6 feet away from others and avoid crowded places.
  • Inside your home: Avoid close contact with household members who are sick. Avoid sharing personal items and use a separate room and bathroom for sick household members, if possible.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, you can use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
• Clean and disinfect frequently-touched objects and surfaces using a household disinfectant on List N: Disinfectants for COVID-19.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands.
• Stay home when you are sick.

7. What additional resources are available?

• Texas Department of State Health Services: COVID-19 Vaccine Information
• Texas Department of State Health Services: COVID-19 Vaccination Plan
• Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Frequently Asked Questions about COVID-19 Vaccination
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: COVID-19 Vaccine Information
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: COVID-19 Vaccination Program Playbook (PDF)
• Food and Drug Administration: COVID-19 Vaccine Information