All Texans 50 and older can receive the COVID-19 vaccine starting March 15

SAN ANTONIO – As COVID-19 vaccination rates continue to rise statewide, Texas officials have now extended eligibility to all residents 50 and older, the Texas Department of Health and Human Services announced Wednesday.

Starting March 15, Texans between the ages of 50 and 64 – who fall under the state’s Phase 1C category – can now sign up for vaccination appointments.

“There are about 5 million Texans between the ages of 50 and 64; more than 1 million of them have already been vaccinated, ”said the department’s press release.

According to the department, more than half of all seniors in Texas have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine and 30% are now fully vaccinated.

People in the Phase 1A and Phase 1B categories are currently eligible for the vaccine, as are teachers and school and childcare personnel.

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Phase 1A includes primary health care workers and residents of long-term care facilities and Phase 1B includes people over the age of 65 or those aged 16 and over with a chronic medical condition that puts them at increased risk of serious illness from COVID-19. People working in kindergartens, elementary and high schools as well as Head Start and Early Head Start programs (including teachers, staff and bus drivers) and those working as or for accredited childcare providers, including center-starting March 3, are also eligible upcoming care providers and informal carers.

This is a story in progress. Check back later for more information.