COVID-19 Vaccination Recommendations
DSHS recommends COVID-19 vaccination for everyone included in the current Food and Drug Administration (FDA) emergency use authorizations and approvals.
While the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices has recommended adding routine COVID-19 immunization to the 2023 immunization schedules for adults and children, that recommendation does not create any federal vaccination mandate. Texas has no state or local COVID-19 immunization requirements. Pursuant to Governor Abbott’s Executive Order GA-39, which has been in effect since August 25, 2021, no government entity in Texas can mandate the COVID-19 vaccine.
DSHS will follow the direction of GA-39 and the Texas Legislature with respect to any COVID-19 or other new vaccine requirements.
Find CDC COVID-19 vaccination information and recommendations:
How to Find a Vaccine
There are many ways to get fully vaccinated in Texas—you don’t need health insurance and the vaccine is always free. Please visit or call any of the vaccine resources below.
National Vaccine Finder
Vaccines.gov
Vaccines.gov helps people find vaccines in their area.
WhatsApp (in Spanish only) – Choose from a menu to find vaccine locations near you, learn how to get free rides and childcare for your vaccine appointment, and find out more about the COVID-19 vaccine.
Local Pharmacies
Check your local pharmacy’s website to see if vaccine appointments or walk-ins are available. See a list of retail pharmacies providing vaccinations.
Mobile Vaccine Program
The state mobile program provides a way for Texas businesses and people who are homebound to schedule free mobile vaccinations.
- Texas businesses, groups, or civic organizations with five or more individuals who voluntarily choose to be vaccinated can call 833-832-7068 to schedule a visit.
- Texans who are homebound can call 833-832-7067 to request a state mobile vaccination team to come to their home.
Find Vaccine by Phone
Get answers to questions or help finding a vaccine near you by phone:
- Text your ZIP code to find vaccine, childcare, and free rides to clinics to
- GETVAX (438829) for English
- VACUNA (822862) for Spanish
- Call 1-833-832-7067 (toll free) for referral to a local vaccine provider
- Call center is open Monday–Friday, 8:00am–5:00pm.
- Spanish language and other translators are available to help callers.
- Call the national vaccine finder hotline toll free at 1-800-232-0233 (TTY 1-888-720-7489)
Vaccination Services for People with Disabilities
People with disabilities needing assistance getting vaccinated can contact the Disability Rights Texas Hotline (DRTx Vaccine Hotline) by phone or email, at 1-800-880-8401 or vaccine@DRTx.org.
You can also contact the national Disability Information and Access Line (DIAL) at 888-677-1199 or DIAL@n4a.org for vaccine help.
Questions or Concerns About Getting Vaccinated?
It’s okay to have concerns. If you’re hesitant about getting vaccinated, talk to your doctor about your concerns. You can also get credible and accurate COVID-19 vaccine information from the below resources:
Important to Know
FDA Emergency Use Authorizations and Approvals
All COVID-19 vaccines recommended in the Unites States have been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for safety and efficacy. You can learn more about the FDA process and status of COVID-19 vaccines at the FDA COVID-19 Vaccines site.
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.
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