Williamson County begins COVID-19 vaccine-distribution plan prep for when available

Williamson County Judge Bill Gravell said Nov. 10 the county has started planning a vaccination program for the coronavirus for when it becomes available.

The announcement comes after news from vaccine maker Pfizer, which has found its vaccine to be more than 90% effective in preventing symptomatic COVID-19 infections, according to reports. The vaccine report is still preliminary and is not yet FDA approved, officials said.

Nonetheless, Williamson County is preparing for the day when a vaccine becomes widely available with the hopes that in this preparation it can be one of the first counties to receive and administer a vaccine, county officials said.

Gravell said preliminary plans will have at least two sites including one at the county’s Expo Center in Taylor and one near the Round Rock/Georgetown border. He added that officials are looking at also setting up a location in Sun City, the active older adult community in Georgetown.

The vaccines will first be administered to those over the age of 50, those living in nursing homes or assisted living facilities and first responders, per federal guidelines, Gravell said. Following that, it will be open to the public, he said.

The two preliminary sites will be hosted by the Williamson County and Cities Health District and the county emergency medical services department.

“I feel that’s a little good news,” Gravell said. “My confidence in us providing vaccines in Williamson County by spring break is very high.”

Further details will be provided when available.