COVID-19 vaccination distribution is on the uptick in Fort Worth, with many area residents eager to get the shot. Vaccine distribution began several weeks ago to hospitals, freestanding ERs, EMS providers, pharmacies, local health departments, medical practices, long-term care facilities and other types of providers.
To meet the rising demand for the vaccine here locally, Tarrant County Public Health (TCPH) has a newly-created online portal that eligible residents can use to easily register for a no-cost vaccine.
TCPH will determine if you qualify for a vaccination at this time and then send you an email regarding your eligibility status. Keep in mind that sign-up confirmations are emailed out once a day, so it could take up to 48 hours to receive a response, especially with demand being as high as it is, TCPH says.
The coronavirus vaccine currently is in limited supply, but quantities are expected to increase over the coming months as manufacturing and distribution ramp up. Residents are encouraged to pre-register on the website now so that the county can better plan for and distribute the vaccine as we move forward.
“We understand that there has been some confusion about the vaccine availability and we are doing our best to get the most accurate and current information out to residents,” said Brandon Bennett, City of Fort Worth Health officer and code compliance director. “Distribution of this size is not something that is done on a regular basis and the city is supporting Tarrant County as they try to get the vaccine to as many residents as possible.”
A tiered system is in place to prioritize distribution. Health care and first responders are at the top so that they can care for the sick and help with mass vaccinations without facing health risk to themselves or others. The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) has information on the criteria used for vaccination priority on their main vaccination page. You can also find a list of other vaccination locations throughout the state on their website.
As for safety and efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccine, data culled in large-scale clinical trials and reviewed by FDA scientists show that the vaccines are safe and effective in preventing the spread of the virus. Get more information on the vaccine process in Tarrant County.
