SAN ANTONIO – UPDATED Jan. 1, 2021, at 5:30 p.m.: University Health spokesperson Shelly Kofler announced “In less than five hours after opening the online appointments, we scheduled 17,280 people to receive their vaccinations beginning Monday.”
Kofler restated that the hospital has closed registrations for now until they receive more vaccines. “We really had no idea how quickly these slots would fill. We appreciate everyone’s patience as we await the arrival of additional vaccine and the opportunity to provide protection to even more individuals in our community.”
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UPDATED Jan. 1, 2021, at 9:45 a.m.: On Thursday night, University Health spokesperson Shelly Kofler emailed media to announce that registrations for free COVID-19 vaccines to Texans in Phase 1B have closed for the current allotment, but that “we will open up more slots as soon as we get more vaccine.”
“Unfortunately, all available slots for seniors and those with chronic conditions to receive the Moderna vaccine beginning Monday are filled,” Kofler said. “Due to the overwhelming response to our announcement we quickly filled some 11,000 appointments and currently have none available.”
Those interested are encouraged to follow University Health’s Facebook and Twitter accounts for the latest updates.
Thank you for your interest in taking the #COVID19 vaccine.
— University Health (@UnivHealthSA) January 1, 2021
Due to an overwhelming response, we currently have no more appointments available. We will open up more slots as soon as we get more vaccine and let you know through our social media. Please continue to stay safe.
ORIGINAL: Free Moderna COVID-19 vaccinations will be offered by University Health beginning Monday for people in the most recent phase approved for inoculation by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and the Department of State Health Services, the health group announced.
How to track down a COVID-19 vaccine for people in Phase 1B in Texas
Health officials said the Moderna vaccine is available for “persons identified as part of phase 1B, including seniors who are at least 65 years old, and people who are age 18 or older who have certain chronic medical conditions.”
Those in the group can register online at WeCanDoItSA.com and schedule a time to receive the vaccine, according to University Health.
“Prior to the state expanding COVID-19 vaccinations to this group, University Health has given thousands of vaccinations to its healthcare employees and physicians, as well as San Antonio EMS and fire personnel and healthcare workers from organizations that did not receive their own supplies of vaccine,” University Health said in its release. “We are pleased we can offer this protection to our community and look forward to providing wider access as the supply of COVID-19 vaccine increases and additional groups are approved by the state for inoculation.”
The vaccine will be administered on the lower level at Wonderland of the Americas, located at Loop 410 and I-10 on Fredericksburg Road, health officials said. To access parking, enter the parking garage from Fredericksburg Road.
The inoculations will be provided from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday for as long as the vaccine is available, according to University Health.
Preregistration through WeCanDoITSA.com is required, health officials said. Call 210-644-1960 for details about the vaccine clinic.
The goal is to vaccinate 1,000 people daily at this location, according to University Health. The vaccine is given in two doses, 28 days apart.
An appointment for the second shot will be scheduled when the first shot is given. Health officials said it is important that people receive both doses.
Those receiving the Moderna vaccine must be 18 years of age, though 16- and 17-year-olds with chronic medical conditions may call 210-644-1960 to schedule an appointment for the Pfizer vaccine at another location, according to University Health.
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