Texans aged 16 and older are now eligible to be vaccinated against COVID-19, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS). As of the beginning of the week, DSHS had a record of 1,678 total confirmed cases in Austin County, 34 fatalities and an estimated 1,924 recovered cases.

The risk of infection is currently high and vaccinating as many local residents as possible is a key component of reducing that risk.

Austin County Judge Tim Lapham said he is glad the vaccine will be available to all those who wish to receive it. In his early-week update, he said as of Monday an estimated 35% of Austin County residents have been vaccinated with at least one dose and an estimated 18.87% were considered fully vaccinated.

Lapham also said Monday that Bellville Medical Center, Walter’s Pharmacy in Bellville, the Medical Clinics of Sealy and Sealy Urgent Care should all receive vaccine doses this week. Still, he added that the Washington County subHUB remains the quickest way to receive a vaccine for those interested. Residents can visit wacounty.saferestart.net to sign up to be vaccinated at the state-run hub.

“We are closing in on 10 million doses administered in Texas, and we want to keep up the momentum as the vaccine supply increases,” said Imelda Garcia, DSHS associate commissioner for laboratory and infectious disease services and the chair of the Expert Vaccine Allocation Panel. “As eligibility opens up, we are asking providers to continue to prioritize people who are the most at risk of severe disease, hospitalization and death, such as older adults.”

Most retail pharmacies are providing injections but supplies and procedures vary by location. Contact your pharmacy to register or make an appointment.

Texans can also 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 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., seven 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 vaccines 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.

• If you do not have Internet access, call (833) 832-7067 for referral to a local vaccine provider.

As of March 23, Texas has administered more than 9.3 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines. More than six million people have received at least one dose and more than three million have been fully vaccinated.