Austin, Texas – Austin Public Health (APH) has distributed 3,996 doses of vaccine as of Wednesday night after receiving 12,000 doses on Monday from the Texas Department of State Health (DSHS) services as part of a new pilot distribution program. APH has plans in place to distribute all doses it received this week. Based on operations this week, APH will make improvements if needed and will be prepared to distribute future allocations.
The first three days of vaccine distribution have been closed clinics serving Phase 1A and 1B patients from community partners that serve uninsured or underinsured populations, including CommUnityCare, Lone Star Circle of Care, and the People's Community Clinic. This has helped to ensure that those who are most vulnerable to complications and death from COVID-19, as well as those who would not be able to get a vaccine from the more than 350 other providers in Austin-Travis County, are able to get vaccinated.
The vaccines provided by APH are available by appointment only. A miscommunication earlier in the week resulted in some vaccines being distributed to those without an appointment. This miscommunication has been resolved and walk-ups will be turned away moving forward.
Individuals wishing to pre-register for a vaccine through APH can sign up at austintexas.gov/covid19-vaccines. Individuals without internet access can call 512-972-5560. The registration system allows anyone to sign up, however, individuals should be advised that APH is a safety net provider and is prioritizing those who are over age 65, or uninsured or underinsured and is using the DSHS guidelines to prioritize our limited allocations. Pre-registration does not guarantee a vaccine immediately.
Media Information
Vaccine sites are operating as medical facilities and media will not be permitted on-site to protect patient privacy. Additionally, we ask media to respect the privacy of these sites and to not publish the names of the sites in their stories to prevent overcrowding so we can continue to follow social distancing measures for the safety of both patients and staff.
B-roll and interviews in English and Spanish have been recorded by the City of Austin and are available for media to use. Please credit the City of Austin for any b-roll or interviews used.
B-roll and interviews of the vaccine site available at this link.
Media with questions about APH COVID-19 vaccinations should reach out to hsempio@austintexas.gov or 512-974-0699.
For more information about the COVID-19 vaccine in Texas, visit dshs.texas.gov/coronavirus/immunize/vaccine.aspx. For more information about the COVID-19 in Austin-Travis County, visit AustinTexas.gov/COVID19-Vaccines.
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