Who’s Eligible to Get the Vaccine Now?
As of Monday, March 29, 2021, everyone age 16 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 age 18 and older. The Pfizer vaccine is authorized for people 16 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.
Vaccine Locator Tools
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. To find out which pharmacies are participating in the Federal Retail Pharmacy 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 7am-7pm, 7 days a week.
Spanish language and other translators are available to help callers.
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.
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.
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.
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.
