All encouraged to sign-up for COVID vaccine waitlist as state expands eligibility

The Galveston County vaccination partnership is encouraging anyone 16 and older, regardless of medical conditions, to sign up for the Galveston County COVID-19 vaccine waitlist.

Galveston County, the Galveston County Health District and the University of Texas Medical Branch are encouraging additional signups to ensure they’ll be ready to move quickly as state vaccine eligibility guidelines expand. The Texas Department of State Health Services announced it will expand vaccine eligibly to all adults on March 29.

“We want to make sure that people sign up and are ready to get vaccinated as our supply increases and state guidelines are updated,” said Dr. Janak Patel, UTMB director of healthcare epidemiology and infection control.  “Signing up now means that you are already on the list when the criteria are changed to allow more people to be vaccinated.” 

Galveston County has been one of the leading counties in the state in vaccinating its residents. UTMB has administered over 150,000 vaccine doses. About 18 percent of Galveston County residents are fully vaccinated, according to state data.

UTMB is also administering vaccines in Brazoria County and all residents there are encouraged to join the waitlist.  

Currently, those in high-risk categories can expect to get an invitation to be vaccinated within a few days of signing up on the waitlist. Even those outside the high-risk categories should get an invitation to be vaccinated within 10 days, Patel said.

“Now is the time. Sign up now and we will be able to schedule your appointment for next week, regardless of age or condition,” said Galveston County Local Health Authority Dr. Philip Keiser. “Galveston County has done a phenomenal job vaccinating its residents. The partnership between the health district, UTMB and county is something I think we can all be proud of. We want to make sure anyone who wants to receive a vaccine is registered on the county waitlist.” 

To join the waitlist, visit www.utmbhealth.edu/vaccine. As vaccine doses become available, the Health District and UTMB use the waitlist to send invitations to individuals to schedule a vaccine appointment. Depending on the supply available in a particular week, appointments could be available for Pfizer, Moderna or Johnson & Johnson vaccines.