Where & How To Get A COVID-19 Vaccine In Austin?

Quick Digest: 

• As of February 5th, Texas has received 3,659,550 doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna coronavirus vaccines. Of this stockpile, Texas has administered 2,219,867 doses to its residents.
• Austin, Texas is currently in phase 1b of vaccine distribution. Accordingly, healthcare workers, long-term care residents, individuals 65 and older, and people with severe medical conditions can access the vaccine. The vaccine is available at Baylor Scott & White Medical Center, Seton McCarthy Community Clinic, St. David’s South Austin Medical Center, and more. The full list is below.
• Texas will expand vaccinations to people eligible in subsequent phases as supply allows. The next group of individuals eligible for the vaccine is still under determination and is dependent on how many vaccines are available.
• Mira’s research indicates that Texas will reach herd immunity by September 8, 2021. This aligns with previous independent research, which estimated that the pandemic will be functionally over by Q3-Q4 of 2021.

What you need to know about the COVID-19 Vaccine in Austin

In December 2020, the FDA granted emergency use authorization to the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines. 

• Both vaccines demonstrated over 94% effectiveness in preventing COVID-19 during clinical trials.
• Both vaccines utilize mRNA to teach your body how to recognize and kill the coronavirus should you be exposed. Since mRNA cannot enter the nucleus of cells, these vaccines will not alter your DNA.
• Both vaccines require two doses, spaced approximately three to four weeks apart. Immunity will take time to build once you have been vaccinated, so you should continue to take precautions and act as though you are not vaccinated. Continue to wear a mask, practice social distancing, and wash your hand with soap and water.
• Your second dose needs to be from the same company as your first dose. In other words, if you received the Pfizer vaccine for your first dose, you need to receive the Pfizer vaccine for your second dose.

For more information on COVID myths debunked, see our article here. 

The COVID-19 vaccine is available in Austin for all who qualify in Phase 1b

Texas is currently allowing people in phase 1a and 1b to get vaccinated. Although demand for the vaccine is extremely high, the current supply does not suffice for all individuals who are eligible to receive a vaccine. 

Therefore, just because you are eligible, does not mean you will be able to get vaccinated immediately. The following people are currently eligible to receive the Covid-19 vaccine in Texas.

• Healthcare workers.
• Long-term care facility residents
• Individuals aged 65 and older
• People aged 16+ with at least one chronic medical condition

Phase 1c is estimated to begin thereafter. Once phase 1c is in full effect, a more widespread population will be able to access the vaccine; however, Texas is still trying to determine who should be prioritized under this group.