The lack of a statewide distribution plan or a phone number that people can call to make appointments has led to many questions. ABC13 has analyzed the data to answer some of your questions below. The full Texas DSHS COVID-19 vaccine link can be found on the state dashboard.
Who is currently eligible for COVID-19 vaccines?
According to the state of Texas, vaccine distribution is split into stages. Stage 1A includes medical personnel and people living in nursing homes, and stage 1B includes anyone 65 and older, or 16 and older with a chronic medical condition such as cancer, COPD, heart disease, organ transplant, obesity, pregnancy, sickle cell disease, and diabetes type 2.
I am eligible for the vaccine! Can I get it now?
Possibly. There are not enough doses for everyone who qualifies. In general, patients with established relationships with major hospital chains will have faster access to the vaccines.
How can I try to get the vaccine?
The The City of Houston now has an online appointment booking system, but only for those who fall into the stages 1A and 1B groups – the emergency responders and those over 65 or with qualifying conditions.
If you do not meet these qualifications, do not make an appointment at this time. Appointment times are added as the Houston City Health Department gets more doses, so check back regularly.
If you have private health insurance, officials recommend that you check with your personal doctor first to see if they are affiliated with a major hospital chain or if the state has requested doses.
If you are using a hospital system, such as Memorial Hermann or Houston Methodist, for your primary care, call the office and make sure you are registered with your latest email address and contact information. They will let you know when you qualify. Also, call your pharmacy if you use one regularly, and make sure to request to be registered or ask if they have one available. You can also contact urgent care facilities in your area to see if they qualify for vaccines.
Is there a list of locations with vaccines?
ABC13 has compiled the state database for all facilities that have received vaccines in Harris, Fort Bend and Galveston counties. You can find the list enclosed here. You can search for all providers and try to make calls. Some may have a dosage.
I called. No one has a vaccine for my elderly parent. What shall I do?
You should contact your local pharmacy and clinics in your area. More vaccines are delivered every day.
For example, the Galveston County Health District announced Tuesday that it will offer the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine by appointment only to people 65 and older. You can learn more by visiting the Galveston County website.
State health officials estimate it will take several months for the majority of Texans to find the immunization doses.
Every time I call a location they tell me they only take established patients at first. Is that allowed?
The Texas State guidelines target categories of people who should receive vaccine priority. However, the actual distribution of vaccines has left it to each supplier. Therefore, each hospital and doctor’s clinic can set its own criteria for the distribution of vaccines. Since there are not enough vaccines for everyone, almost all hospitals and medical offices vaccinate their established patients first. ABC13 has asked state officials for clarification on this matter.
My regular doctor is at Houston Methodist. Will I get a vaccine?
Methodist this week began notifying established patients 75 and older of vaccination slots. The hospital system says it will begin informing eligible patients aged 65 and over in the next one or two weeks, along with those with chronic conditions. Methodist hospitals have received approximately 40,000 doses so far, one of the most in our area.
My regular doctor is at Memorial Hermann. Will I get a vaccine?
Memorial Hermann began notifying Phase 1B patients with established relationships on Monday, December 28. Check your emails. If you haven’t received an email to schedule, it’s best to call your doctor to make sure you’re on the list. The hospital has received nearly 50,000 doses, most of all hospital systems in our region.
My regular doctor is with Kelsey Seybold. Will I get a vaccine?
Kelsey-Seybold has received 4,600 doses to date. It is currently vaccinating phase 1A and has begun some phase 1B vaccination. Kelsey-Seybold says it is proactively reaching out to eligible patients
My regular doctor is at Baylor College of Medicine. Will I get a vaccine?
Baylor College of Medicine received 4,000 doses of the Moderna vaccine on Monday, December 28, and began vaccinations on Tuesday, December 29. Baylor is currently running both Phase 1A and some Phase 1B vaccines. Check your MyChart links and contact your doctor if you have any questions.
My regular doctor is at UT Health. Will I get a vaccine?
Since December 30, UT doctors have only vaccinated first-line workers under Phase 1A. There is no timetable yet for Phase 1B patients to receive the vaccine.
My regular doctor is HCA Hospitals. Will I get a vaccine?
HCA Hospitals in Houston, Galveston, and Ft. Bend regions received more than 6,000 doses of the vaccine. ABC13 contacted the hospital system but declined to answer questions about vaccine availability. However, HCA has a website with information.
I’m going to Legacy Community Health, will I get a vaccine?
Legacy Community Health has received approximately 2,000 doses from the state of Texas. It is currently vaccinating Phase 1A and 1B. All appointments for this week have been fulfilled. However, the federally qualified health clinic has an online portal, so it’s worth checking to see if appointments are available.
What about CVS and Walgreens?
CVS and Walgreens are currently participating in the vaccination of nursing home residents as part of a federal plan. At this point, they don’t give vaccines to the general public, but you should continue to monitor.
Do supermarkets like Kroger, Randalls and HEB have vaccines?
Kroger, Randalls and HEB pharmacies have vaccines, but availability is limited.
Currently, every HEB pharmacy in Houston has received about 100 doses of the vaccine. These are usually distributed among medical workers. HEB is waiting for more vaccines from the state so that it can distribute them to Phase 1B customers. Pharmacy customers should check the website for more updates.
On the list I see eye centers, orthopedic doctors and dermatology offices with doses. Are these available?
Any medical provider can apply to become a vaccine distributor, including specialist doctors. Because there is no central state database, you should contact each specialist physician’s office directly to see if doses are available.
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