FAQs • Williamson County, TX • CivicEngage

If I am registered on the Family Hospital Systems wait list, how long until I get the vaccine?: The State of Texas currently has a limited supply of the vaccine. Census data shows that we have more than 117,000 people in Phase 1b, so it will take weeks to vaccinate everyone eligible. We ask for everyone’s continued patience as we work diligently to attain more vaccines for the county. We also encourage people to obtain the vaccine from any approved entity offering it. Residents may add their names to the existing Family Hospital Systems waitlist. The state also has a map with a list of providers available.

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Emergency Management - COVID-19 - Vaccine

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1. Who is eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine?: In Texas, the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) is currently distributing the vaccine to people in Phase 1a, who are frontline healthcare workers and residents at long-term care facilities, and Phase 1b, who are 65 years of age and older, as well as people 16 years of age and older with at least one chronic medical condition that puts them at increased risk for severe illness from the virus that causes COVID-19. For more information, visit the DSHS website.

2. Does Williamson County have a plan for distributing COVID-19 vaccines?: The week of January 4, 2021, Williamson County submitted a vaccination plan to the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS). The plan includes working with private partners to administer the COVID-19 vaccine. Williamson County identified four sites across the county that could operate as large vaccination locations, as well as utilizing the existing Family Emergency Room locations of our partner Family Hospital Systems. Download a copy of the Williamson County COVID-19 Vaccination Plan (PDF).

3. Is Williamson County a state vaccination hub provider?: The State of Texas began strategically designating large vaccination sites or hubs in January. Family Hospital Systems in Williamson County was designated as a hub provider on January 16, 2021. Williamson County, like other suburbs of larger metro areas, was not initially chosen due to a limited supply of the vaccine and because of its proximity to the Austin hub.

4. When did Williamson County activate its vaccination plan and begin distributing the vaccine?: Williamson County and its partner Family Hospital Systems (FHS) began vaccinating individuals who pre-registered Wednesday, January 20, 2021. FHS received 6,000 doses initially in the first week, then an additional 8,000 doses.

5. Do I have to have an appointment to receive the vaccine at a hub location?: Yes, all residents within the Phase 1B population (65+ and 16+ with at least one chronic medical condition), must register in advance for an appointment. No walk-up appointments are allowed. Register for the vaccine on the Family Hospital Systems website.

6. If I am registered on the Family Hospital Systems wait list, how long until I get the vaccine?: The State of Texas currently has a limited supply of the vaccine. Census data shows that we have more than 117,000 people in Phase 1b, so it will take weeks to vaccinate everyone eligible. We ask for everyone’s continued patience as we work diligently to attain more vaccines for the county. We also encourage people to obtain the vaccine from any approved entity offering it. Residents may add their names to the existing Family Hospital Systems waitlist. The state also has a map with a list of providers available.

7. Can I get vaccinated in another county?: Vaccination hub locations are open to all in Phase 1a or 1b. You do not need to be a resident of that city or county. However, both vaccines require two doses, so you will need to return to where you received your first dose in order to receive your second dose.

8. Is there a cost for getting the vaccine?: Vaccine doses are available at no cost; however, vaccination providers can charge an administration fee for giving the shot. No one can be denied a vaccine if they are unable to pay the vaccine administration fee. Vaccination providers can be reimbursed the administration fee through the patient's insurance company.

9. Do I need to bring anything with me when I go to my scheduled vaccination appointment?: You must bring some form of I.D. with you for your appointment, as well as your insurance card if you have insurance.

10. Which vaccine is available?: Williamson County, through its partner Family Hospital Systems, has received doses of the Moderna vaccine to distribute. The two COVID-19 vaccines currently available in the United States do not contain eggs, preservatives, or latex. For a full list of ingredients in the Moderna vaccine, please view the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine EUA Fact Sheet for Recipients and Caregivers (PDF).

11. How do I report if I have a problem or bad reaction after getting a COVID-19 vaccine?: If you get a COVID-19 vaccine and think you might be having a severe allergic reaction after leaving the vaccination site, please call 911 immediately. Common side effects are pain and swelling on the arm where you got the shot. The rest of your body may experience fever, chills, tiredness, and a headache. View a list of side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine. You can report side effects and reactions using v-safe, a smartphone-based tool that uses text messaging and web surveys to provide health check-ins after receiving the vaccine. Learn more and register by viewing the CDC - Vaccine Safety Monitoring page.

12. How will I get my second dose of the vaccine?: Both the Moderna and Pfizer vaccine require two doses. If you receive your COVID-19 vaccine through Family Hospital Systems, they will email you regarding your second dose.

13. Will Williamson County receive more doses when it distributes the amount received this week?: The Texas Department of State Health Services tells hub providers late on Thursday each week how many vaccines they will receive to administer for the following week.

14. Can I find out my number on the wait list?: Williamson County maintains the waitlist; however, we cannot tell individuals where they are on the waitlist. The anticipation of receiving the vaccine is based upon the allocation of doses from the state.

15. Where can I call to get more information on the COVID-19 vaccine registration process?: Williamson County created a call center to serve as a resource of information. The call center phone number is 512-943-1600. It is open Monday through Friday, from 8 am to 6 pm. Call center representatives can assist people with getting on the Family Hospital Systems vaccine waitlist by explaining the process step-by-step over the phone, providing confirmation of whether someone is on the waitlist, and giving more details about the County's Vaccine Registration Technical Sites (VRTAS) which aim to provide in-person registration assistance. Please be aware, there is an influx of calls and you may have to call more than once before connecting with a representative.

16. How can I find out if I am on the Family Hospital System waitlist?: A person who has previously registered to be on the Family Hospital Systems waitlist can call 512-943-1600 to verify if they are on the waitlist. Recently, people who sign up receive a confirmation email notifying them that they are on the waitlist. Please note, the confirmation email is not the end of the registration process. A person will be required to fill out more forms in a follow-up email. The County suggests that people check their email inboxes and junk folder often for more information.

17. Who will be sending me a confirmation email regarding my COVID-19 vaccine registration?: People who sign-up to be on Family Hospital Systems (FHS) waitlist will receive an email confirmation and further registration forms from FHS directly. Please check your email inbox and junk folder often for further information.

18. Can I register more than one person for the COVID-19 waitlist using the same email account?: FHS strongly suggests that people interested in getting a COVID-19 vaccine through Family Hospital Systems utilize a personal email address to register for the waitlist. Since FHS will be contacting individuals via email, each person who signs up should have direct access to the email account provided as their point of contact.