When and where Texans can get the COVID-19 vaccine
Now that more people are eligible to receive the inoculations, here’s what you need to know.
Who can get it now?
Two groups are eligible. Group 1A: Includes health care workers in hospital settings working directly with COVID-19 or high-risk patients, long-termcare staff and residents, EMS providers, home health care workers.
Group 1B: Anyone 65 years and older, pregnant women and anyone over the age of 16 with a pre-existing condition. These include cancer, heart issues such as heart failure or coronary artery disease, chronic kidney disease, solid organ transplant, obesity or severe obesity, sickle cell disease or Type 2 diabetes mellitus.
If I qualify, where can I get it?
People in group 1B will need to make an appointment with a pharmacy, hospital, clinic or other provider. Providers are listed on a map provided by the Department of State Health Services.
To check the map, go to the DSHS vaccine information page at bit.ly/2jvpru3 and click on “Vaccine Provider Locations” in the “More Information” box on the right-hand side.
Don’t assume a provider has doses of vaccine just because it’s listed on the map. Call ahead to make sure.
VIA Metropolitan Transit offers free rides to or from an appointment at a city- or countysponsored COVID vaccination site, such as the Alamodome or Wonderland of the Americas mall. Bus or VIA Link passengers can show their appointment registration (on paper or mobile device) or their shot record. Riders using the Viatrans service must schedule in advance by phone or online.
Here’s where some major providers stand now:
City: Running mass vaccination site at the Alamodome for both groups, including 1A slots formerly available at the Metropolitan Health Distric. Appointments required, but all slots currently filled. As more doses become available, register for an appointment at covid19.sanantonio.gov/vaccine or by calling
311 and choosing option 8. The Alamodome will operate from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays until further notice, with in-person and drive-thru options.
University Health System: All appointments for people in group 1B have been filled. Once more doses are in stock, a scheduling tool will be launched. Updates will be on its Go Mobile app and its newsletter, available at www.healthfocussa.net. Go to wecandoitsa.com or call 210644-1960 for information.
Wellmed: Providing vaccinations for both groups by appointment at the Elvira Cisneros Senior Community Center, 517 S.W. Military Drive, and Alicia Treviño López Senior Center, 8353 Culebra Road. Appointments at
833-968-1745 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. any day — but all slots for this week are filled.
Christus Santa Rosa Health System: Has an appointment system for some clinics and outpatient care sites. Group 1B appointments currently are filled. Visit christushealth.org/coronavirus/vaccine-faq and use the online chat function to be screened for eligibility and check availability.
Brooke Army Medical Center: Focusing on inpatient and outpatient medical and support personnel. Its next phase will include high-risk military beneficiaries. Updates at bamc.tricare.mil and through social media.
Methodist Healthcare: Vaccinating its employees and providers; also has been offering the
vaccine to several thousand health care workers in the community, such as nursing home staff, nursing students and EMS workers. Will begin vaccinating eligible patients in Methodist facilities. Call 833-582-1974 or visit exne.ws/sahealth for more information.
UT Health San Antonio: Currently vaccinating UT Health patients only. Patients will be notified through Mychart when they are eligible. The online medical portal is available as an app or at mychart.utmedicinesa.com.
H-E-B: Currently out of the vaccine. Will vaccinate people in groups 1A and 1B once more supply is received. Check heb.com/vaccine to access the scheduling tool when it becomes available. Customers due for a second dose will be contacted directly once those doses are ready.
CVS: Giving doses to residents and staff of long-term-care facilities. Once vaccines are more widely available, appointments will be at cvs.com.
Walgreens: Giving doses to residents and staff of long-term-care facilities. Not yet taking appointments for group 1B.
Check exne.ws/wal for updates.
How much does the vaccine cost?
The vaccine is free, regardless of insurance status.
Do I have to show proof of age or underlying condition?
DSHS has not offered guidance on how providers should check for proof of age or qualifying conditions.
University Hospital has said it will take people at their word if they say they have underlying conditions.
Who is next, and when?
Texas’ Expert Vaccine Allocation Panel is considering criteria for later stages of vaccine distribution. It’s likely the general public won’t receive the vaccine until the spring.
Any providers with extra doses can administer them to any willing person regardless of their priority designation so that usable vaccine won’t sit on the shelves.