Texas COVID Vaccine Sign Up Details and How to Book an Appointment
People across the U.S. are being vaccinated against COVID in the largest immunization campaign in the country's history.
So how is Texas—the second largest state—faring with its vaccine rollout, and how can residents book an appointment to receive a shot?
Updated February 18, 2021, 5:08 a.m. ET
Texas vaccine tracker and schedule
- Total vaccine doses shipped: 4,763,350, as of February 17, according to Texas Health and Human Services
- Total first doses administered: 3,020,660, as of February 17 according to Texas Health and Human Services
- Total people fully vaccinated: 1,248,338 as of February 17, according to Texas Health and Human Services
The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) says spring 2021 is the "best estimate" of when vaccines will be available for the general public, although availability will depend on vaccine supply—which is currently limited.
Who is eligible for a vaccine in Texas?
Currently, two groups are eligible to receive the vaccine in Texas, referred to as Phase 1A and 1B.
Phase 1A
Frontline health workers
Residents at long-term care facilities
Phase 1B
People aged 65 and above
Residents over 16 with a health condition that increases their risk of developing severe COVID, including but not limited to:
- Cancer
- Chronic kidney disease
- COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
- Down Syndrome
- Heart conditions, such as heart failure, coronary artery disease, or cardiomyopathies
- Organ transplantation
- Obesity
- Pregnancy
- Sickle cell disease
- Type 2 diabetes
Those who have a medical condition that is not listed above may still be eligible to receive the vaccine, according to the DSHS. Check with your health provider to confirm.
The state's Expert Vaccine Allocation Panel is currently considering what groups will be eligible during the next stage of Texas' vaccine rollout.
How to book a vaccine in Texas
To book a vaccine, head to the DSHS website where you can find a state vaccine provider hub. Once you have found a suitable location, check for appointment availability through the hub's registration website or by calling if a website isn't available. Then follow the provider's instructions for scheduling an appointment. The DSHS says appointments must be booked beforehand and urged people not to simply show up at a vaccine hub.
You can also view the Texas COVID "vaccine availability map" or "list of all providers" spreadsheet, which show providers near you with available vaccine, including alternative providers such as pharmacies.
In Texas, pharmacy chains including CVS, H-E-B, Good Neighbor, Walmart, Sam's Club and Walgreens are administering COVID-19 vaccines. Book an appointment by visiting the respective websites of these chains. Please note that supplies will be limited initially and available slots may be difficult to come by at this time.
Vaccine rollout across the U.S.
According to the latest available figures from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 56.2 million COVID vaccine doses have been administered across the U.S. Around 40.2 million people have received one or more doses, while more than 15.4 million people have been fully vaccinated with two doses. Over 72.4 million doses have been delivered across the country.
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This article has been updated with information about COVID vaccination in Texas.
