Hays County held its first COVID-19 vaccine clinic on Monday, which officials said went as smoothly as expected given the myriad challenges that have been posed by the pandemic. Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra said, with the anticipated shipment of another batch of doses from the Texas Department of State Health Services, the county is set to open the next round of appointment scheduling later this week.
“While things are still fluid and could change,” he said, “the next opportunity to make an appointment is this Friday, Jan. 29. Residents can go to haysinformed.com to find the sign-up link. It will also be on the County’s official Facebook page.”
Those who don’t have internet access/a smart phone can call 512-938-1650. Anyone who qualifies under the Phase 1A and 1B criteria per DSHS will be able to use the online portal or phone number to make an appointment. Both the portal and phone will go live Friday at noon.
Becerra added that Hays County is also now using a text alert system to notify residents of important COVID-related information.
“By signing up, you will know what’s happening and when future rounds of vaccine appointments will open,” he said.
Text COVID to 844-928-3213 to sign up for the alerts.
Health Department Director Tammy Crumley said that with only another 1,950 doses expected, she is asking residents to be patient until more vaccine shipments arrive.
“As a hub, we are looking forward to offering more vaccines,” Crumley said. “The reality of the situation is, we have very limited supply.”
Emergency Operations Director Mike Jones said vaccines will be distributed by appointment only for the foreseeable future.
“We will only accept appointments and are asking the public to not show up at a location without one,” he said. “We’re also asking for the public’s help in ensuring we strictly follow the protocols in place.”
Judge Becerra and other officials will do Facebook Live updates each Friday at 1 p.m. at https://www.facebook.com/judgebecerra.
