Galveston County Opens COVID-19 Vaccine Waiting List for High-Risk People

HOUSTON – Galveston County and local health partners announced a new online waiting list application on Wednesday for those seeking to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

Appointments are currently available to high-risk individuals who meet the criteria in stages 1A and 1B. You don’t have to be a Galveston County resident or a UTMB patient to sign up for the waiting list, officials said.

The waiting list starts on Wednesday at 4 p.m. with the acceptance of applicants

Go to utmbhealth.com/vaccine to register for the waiting list.

Officials said applicants will be asked to create an account and answer a few health questions, which will be used by medical professionals to ensure that those most at risk of being hospitalized by COVID-19 will have the opportunity to schedule an appointment when the vaccine supplies become available.

The waiting list will be based on the risk level and people will be able to register for the waiting list on an ongoing basis, officials said.

Once a person is eligible for the vaccine based on his or her risk level, they will receive an email alerting them to make an appointment. Within the notification there is a link to the website where they can schedule an appointment. The schedule link is only valid for 24 hours, officials said.

A separate email address is required for each person interested in joining the waiting list.

For those who may not have Internet access or a working email address, a phone bank can assist them through the waiting list registration process. They will be asked to provide an email address and mobile number for a family member or close friend to ensure they receive schedule notifications.

The telephone bank can be reached at 877-389-2318.

Galveston County, UTMB Health, and the Galveston County Health District continue to meet the eligibility requirements for Texas Department of State Health Services and vaccinate only those who are under Phase 1A, health professionals and Phase 1B, those 65 and older or 16 and older with certain medical conditions.