As vaccinations begin rolling out in Austin, you probably have a few questions.
When can I get one? Where can I get one? Does it cost money? When can my older parents get one? Does it contain a government tracker?
While we can't answer the last one (but we're leaning towards no), we can shed some light on the others. Keep this bookmarked in the coming months; this is How to Get the COVID-19 Vaccine in Austin.
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COVID-19 VACCINATIONS IN AUSTIN
Who can currently get one?
The city and state are releasing the vaccine in phases depending on risk categories (1A, 1B, 1C, and so forth). Check Texas Health and Human Services and Austin Public Health for the latest updates on which phase we're currently in. As of 3/29/2021, Texas will open vaccine eligibility to ALL ADULTS OVER 18, with a skip-the-line priority to those over 80 who still have not received a vaccine. See the breakdown of these below.
PHASE 1A: HEALTHCARE WORKERS
First tier:
- Paid and unpaid workers in hospital settings working directly with patients who are positive or at high risk for COVID-19. Such as but not limited to:
- Physicians, nurses, respiratory therapists and other support staff (custodial staff,etc.)
- Additional clinical staff providing supporting laboratory, pharmacy, diagnostic and/or rehabilitation services
- Others having direct contact with patients or infectious materials
- Long-term care staff working directly with vulnerable residents. Includes:
- Direct care providers at nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and state supported living centers
- Physicians, nurses, personal care assistants, custodial, food service staff
- EMS providers who engage in 9-1-1 emergency services like pre-hospital care and transport
- Home health care workers, including hospice care, who directly interface with vulnerable and high-risk patients
- Residents of long-term care facilities
Second tier:
- Staff in outpatient care settings who interact with symptomatic patients. Such as but not limited to:
- Physicians, nurses, and other support staff (custodial staff, etc.)
- Clinical staff providing diagnostic, laboratory, and/or rehabilitation services
- Non 9-1-1 transport for routine care
- Healthcare workers in corrections and detention facilities
- Direct care staff in freestanding emergency medical care facilities and urgent care clinics
- Community pharmacy staff who may provide direct services to clients, including vaccination or testing for individuals who may have COVID
- Public health and emergency response staff directly involved in administration of COVID testing and vaccinations
- Last responders who provide mortuary or death services to decedents with COVID-19. Includes:
- Embalmers and funeral home workers who have direct contact with decedents
- Medical examiners and other medical certifiers who have direct contact with decedents
- School nurses who provide health care to students and teachers
PHASE 1B: HIGHER RISK COMMUNITY
- People 65 years of age and older
- People 16 years of age and older with at least one chronic medical condition that puts them at increased risk for severe illness from the virus that causes COVID-19, such as but not limited to:
- Cancer
- Chronic kidney disease
- COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
- Heart conditions, such as heart failure, coronary artery disease or cardiomyopathies
- Solid organ transplantation
- Obesity and severe obesity (body mass index of 30 kg/m2 or higher)
- Pregnancy
- Sickle cell disease
- Type 2 diabetes mellitus
PHASE 1C: TEACHERS AND CHILD CARE STAFF AND PERSONS AGE 50-64
First tier:
- Those who work in pre-primary, primary, and secondary schools, as well as Head Start and Early Head Start programs (including teachers, staff, and bus drivers) and those who work as or for licensed child care providers, including center-based and family care providers
Second tier:
- Those who are between ages 50-64
GENERAL POPULATION (beginning March 29, 2021)
- All adults 18 years or older
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Where can I get one?
To register for the COVID vaccine through the City of Austin as it becomes available, click here! Austin Public Health prioritizes uninsured and underinsured citizens and encourages those with private insurance to see below. Once pre-registered and accepted, check the APH portal Monday evenings (around 6:15 PM) as appointments open.
Many local pharmacies and doctor's offices will be providing vaccinations. If you fall in any of the above categories, visit the Texas COVID-19 Vaccine Provider Locations map to see vaccine providers near you. (*Do not show up at a hospital or clinic looking for vaccine. Instead please check their website for information about vaccine availability. Call if the website doesn’t answer your questions.)
Here are a few of our tips: check other counties' health departments (all the surrounding counties have different appointment release times daily) and for Austin Public Health, don’t wait to be contacted - if you qualify, you have to just go in and try to sign up multiple times a day until you get in. Volunteer opportunities such as Travis County and Bastrop County are also a great way to help the community and, if there are leftover doses at the end of the day, to sometimes get one.
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How much does the vaccine cost?
Nothing; it's totally free.
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When will vaccinations be available to the general public?
Texas health officials estimate the Spring of 2021, but check here for the latest information about what phase Austin is currently in.
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When should I get my second shot?
Both COVID-19 vaccines, Moderna and Pfizer, require 2 shots to ensure the most protection. Get your second dose from the same brand you got your first dose from. The timing between your first and second shot depends on which vaccine you received.
- Moderna: 4 to 6 weeks after your first dose
- Pfizer: 3 to 6 weeks after your first dose
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How immune am I to COVID-19 after the first dose of the vaccine versus after the second dose?
Health experts think people have about a 50 percent protection level against the virus after receiving the first shot. The second shot allows them to get to a 95 percent protection level. It takes up to two weeks after the second shot to get to that level of protection.
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What side effects should I expect?
Expect some pain or swelling on your arm where you got the shot, and fever, chills, headaches, or tiredness throughout the rest of your body.
Mild side effects are normal signs your body is building protection, and they usually go away after a few days. The chance of a severe reaction is less than 0.5%. To be safe, your provider will have you wait on-site for 15-30 minutes after your shot (Texas Health and Human Services).
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How can I care for myself after getting the shot?
If you have pain or discomfort, talk to your doctor about taking an over-the-counter medicine, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. To reduce pain and discomfort where you got the shot, apply a clean, cool, wet washcloth over the area, and use or exercise your arm. To reduce discomfort from fever, drink plenty of fluids and dress lightly (CDC).
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When should I call my doctor?
Discomfort from fever or pain is normal in most cases and can be expected without serious concern. Contact your doctor or healthcare provider if the redness or tenderness where you got the shot increases after 24 hours or if your side effects are worrying you or do not seem to be going away after a few days.
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Do I still need to wear a mask / avoid close contact if I’ve received 2 doses of the vaccine?
YES. Not enough information is currently available to say if or when CDC will stop recommending that people wear masks and avoid close contact with others to help prevent the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19.
“It’s important for everyone to continue using all the tools available to help stop this pandemic as we learn more about how COVID-19 vaccines work in real-world conditions. Cover your mouth and nose with a mask when around others, stay at least 6 feet away from others, avoid crowds, and wash your hands often.” View more instructions from the CDC here.
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Got information to add?
