Austin Public Health Distributes Nearly 4K Coronavirus Vaccines

AUSTIN, TX — Austin Public Health has distributed 3,996 doses of the coronavirus vaccine as of Wednesday night after receiving 12,000 doses on Monday from the Texas Department of State Health services as part of a new pilot distribution program, officials said Thursday.

Austin Public Health has plans in place to distribute all doses it received this week, according to an advisory. Based on operations this week, health officials said improvements would be made if needed while preparing to distribute future allocations.

Officials noted the first three days of vaccine distribution have been closed clinics serving Phase 1A and 1B patients from community partners that serve uninsured or underinsured populations, including CommUnityCare, Lone Star Circle of Care, and the People’s Community Clinic. Health district officials said this has helped to ensure that those who are most vulnerable to complications and death from COVID-19, as well as those who would not be able to get a vaccine from the more than 350 other providers in Austin-Travis County, are able to get vaccinated.

The vaccines provided by Austin Public Health are available by appointment only, officials stressed. A miscommunication earlier in the week resulted in some vaccines being distributed to those without an appointment, according to Austin Public Health.

"This miscommunication has been resolved, and walk-ups will be turned away moving forward," officials said.

Anyone who wants to preregister for a vaccine through Austin Public Health can sign up via the city's COVID-19 Vaccines portal. Individuals without internet access can call (512) 972-5560. The registration system allows anyone to sign up, officials said, but added that individuals should be advised Austin Public Health is a safety net provider and is prioritizing those who are over age 65, or uninsured or under insured and is using the state guidelines to prioritize limited allocations. Preregistration does not guarantee a vaccine immediately, officials added.