Texas set up vaccination sites around the state to make the appointment process simple. However, for parents seeking a provider that administers the Pfizer vaccine, it can be a complicated process.
Many online tools are available for people to find vaccines, including through the Texas Department of State Health Services and local health departments. When looking for a Pfizer vaccine provider, residents will have to navigate a clinic’s own registration instructions.
Local clinics are also doing what they can to increase accessibility to the vaccine. Austin Regional Clinic is providing large-scale vaccination clinics, after-hours clinics and drive-up vaccination appointments, according to Heidi Shalev, vice president of marketing, communications and engagement. The organization also has a website to help patients find information and appointments at www.arccovidvaccine.com.
“There is more availability than several weeks ago, so there are more appointments; patients have a variety of ways to book, including calling; and we have increased capacity on our servers so online scheduling has improved,” Shalev said in an email.
ARC has five clinic locations offering the vaccine in the Round Rock, Pflugerville and Hutto areas.
ARC’s vaccination appointment sign-up process is the same for adolescents as it is for adults for most providers. However, a parent or guardian must accompany their child to their appointment. A parent or guardian must also fill out a consent form for their child before they are vaccinated.
DSHS officials recommend not showing up to a vaccination site without an appointment, although some providers allow walk-ins.
The Central Texas Counties Vaccine Collaborative, an effort created to help residents find information about the vaccines, held drive-thru vaccine clinics in May with no appointments required to help anyone age 12 and older get vaccinated. The group extended those drive-thru clinics in June and started a pop-up clinic to bring vaccinations to those who need them.
“Our message is clear: The time is now to get vaccinated,” said Hector Nieto, public information officer for Travis County.
Mass-vaccination sites, such as those held in partnership with Pflugerville-based Curative—a COVID-19 testing and vaccination company—have helped with demand. The site at Dell Diamond, which closed May 21 with the return of baseball games, administered 75,000 Pfizer vaccine doses, said Jamil Sabbagh, the general manager of operation for Texas at Curative.
He said the company is working to establish a walk-up trailer to open in June. Information about other Curative vaccination sites can be found at www.curative.com.
