APH expects 12,000 vaccine doses this week

Austin Public Health is slated to receive 12,000 doses of Covid-19 vaccine this week from the Texas Department of State Health Services. The vaccines, according to a news release from the city, will be administered to those who fall into phases 1A and 1B, according to state criteria, which includes health care workers, long-term care facility residents, those 65 or older, and residents with underlying health conditions. A registration system to distribute the vaccine will focus on vulnerable and underserved populations. “Individuals who meet the state’s current criteria for vaccination may be able to receive the vaccine under this first allocation or through future allocations. The system will have the ability to contact individuals to encourage them to schedule an appointment if and when APH is allocated additional vaccine. A phone line will also be available for those without internet access.” APH is one of more than 350 groups tasked with distributing the vaccine in the area. The health authority urges those who are able to obtain the vaccine through other means (such as a pharmacy or health care provider) to do so, in order to save the limited allocation doled out by the state for those who might not otherwise be able to get it. For more information, both Texas DSHS and the city of Austin have established information web pages.