Who's Eligible to Get the Vaccine Now?
As of Wednesday, May 12, 2021, everyone 12 years old and older is now eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine in Texas.
The state’s Expert Vaccine Allocation Panel recommended opening vaccination to everyone who falls under the current Food and Drug Administration emergency use authorizations. All vaccines are authorized for people 18 years old and older. The Pfizer vaccine is authorized for people 12 years old and older.
How to Find Vaccine
There are multiple tools to help you find vaccine in Texas. Check these tools frequently, as more providers and pharmacies will be added to each over the coming weeks.
National Vaccine Finder
Vaccines.gov
Large Vaccination Hub List
Beginning in January, Texas established large vaccination sites or hubs around the state. Check the COVID‑19 Vaccination Hub Providers page to find a hub near you and learn how to register.
Retail Pharmacies List
Check your local pharmacy’s website to see if vaccine appointments are available. On March 29, the White House announced that the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program is doubling the number of pharmacies receiving the vaccine by April 19. To find out which pharmacies are participating in the program, visit CDC’s Federal Retail Pharmacy Program website.
Texas Public Health Vaccine Scheduler
The new Texas Vaccine Scheduler helps Texans get scheduled for a COVID-19 vaccine at clinics hosted by participating Texas public health entities.
Register online at GetTheVaccine.dshs.texas.gov. You will be notified by email or text when and where to get the vaccine. If there’s not an available clinic near you, you will be directed to other places to get your vaccine.
Call (833) 832-7067 if you don’t have internet or need help signing up. Call center support is available Monday–Friday from 8am–6pm and Saturday from 8am–5pm.
Spanish language and other translators are available to help callers.
Find Vaccine by Phone
Texas businesses or civic organizations can call 844-90-TEXAS (844-908-3927) and select Option 3 to schedule a visit from a state mobile vaccine team to vaccinate employees, visitors, or members. To qualify for a visit, a business or civic organization must have five or more employees, visitors, or members who voluntarily choose to be vaccinated. Homebound Texans are also encouraged to call the hotline and select Option 1 to request a state mobile vaccination team to visit their home.
Americans can now text their ZIP code to GETVAX (438829) in English or VACUNA (822862) in Spanish to immediately receive addresses of nearby available vaccination centers.
Do you know someone who is eligible for a vaccine but doesn’t have internet access? Please let them know they can call (833) 832-7067 for referral to a local vaccine provider.
Tips for Your Vaccine Search
When searching for a vaccination site, remember:
- While vaccine supply and distribution are expanding, not all local providers have vaccine each week and hubs may have waiting lists.
- Do not show up at a hub or provider looking for a vaccine.
- Instead, check the provider’s website. Call only if the website doesn’t answer your questions.
Important to Know
Two Doses
Moderna and Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines both require two doses. It’s best if you get your second dose from the same brand as your first dose. For example, if you got a Moderna first dose, it’s best to get Moderna for your second dose.
The timing between your first and second dose depends on which vaccine you received:
- Moderna: 4 to 6 weeks after your first dose
- Pfizer: 3 to 6 weeks after your first dose
Side Effects & Allergic Reactions
Mild side effects are normal signs your body is building protection, and they usually go away after a few days. Severe reactions from the vaccine are rare. To be safe, your provider will have you wait on-site for 15-30 minutes after your shot. There's no evidence that the vaccines cause long-term health problems.
People who have received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine who develop severe headache, abdominal pain, leg pain or shortness of breath within three weeks after vaccination should contact their healthcare provider.
V-safe: Register with CDC's V-safe After Vaccination Health Checker on your smartphone to report any side effects after getting the COVID-19 vaccine. You’ll also get reminders for your second vaccine dose.
Texas Vaccine Rollout Timeline
To date, Texas has opened up vaccine eligibility according to the following timeline:
Texas continues to receive doses of the Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines, and is distributing statewide to hospitals, pharmacies, local health departments, freestanding ERs, and other clinics. Please check this page regularly for updates.
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