Dallas County residents can now schedule same-day or next-day appointments for their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.
The Dallas County Health and Human Services (DCHHS) Department has transitioned from the registration waitlist begun last December to a scheduler that allows people to pick the day they want to get the vaccine they want and the day they're available.
The transition to the new scheduler is possible due to increases in the vaccine supply and decreases in the county's waitlist.
Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins said, "There is plenty of vaccine. What's stopping you from getting yours this week?"
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Additionally, residents 55 or older may receive a vaccination at Fair Park without an appointment or pre-registering on the website by going to Gate 10 or Gate 2 with a photo ID.
Those 16 to 54 years of age should register with Dallas County, but will receive a day-of or next-day appointment.
"We recognize that there are people who are not able to pre-register for a vaccine appointment and are in need of other ways to get access to the vaccine. This system is intended to make the pathway to getting vaccinated easier for Dallas County residents. We urge everyone in Dallas County to get their COVID-19 vaccine as soon as possible," added Dr. Philip Huang, Director of Dallas County Health and Human Services.
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“Beyond easy,” said Tyler O’Neal. “The drive here was the hardest part.”
Tyler and Jayme O’Neal say they registered for their vaccine Wednesday afternoon and immediately secured an appointment for today.
“I thought we were going to be on a waiting list for like weeks, so it was awesome to just be able to jump and come,” said Jayme O’Neal.
“Now is the time if you haven’t already gotten your vaccine for you to get it,” said Jenkins on Thursday.
Jenkins says less than half of Dallas County residents have received at least one vaccine, so far.
The county leader hopes the new appointment system will help in their race to gain herd immunity against a mutating virus.
More than 4,200 vaccines were administered by Thursday afternoon, said Jenkins.
The county can handle twice this amount, he added.
Dallas County residents can click here to register and make an appointment for the vaccine. Individuals may also call 1-888-IMMUNE9 (855-466-8639) for an appointment.
Anyone interested in looking at the vaccine calendar, to see which vaccines are being administered on which days, and the clinic's daily operating hours, click here.
