Racial disparities have been underscored by the global pandemic, and the vaccination process is no exception. Community leaders and organizers are stepping up to ensure residents in every part of town get their names on the list.
Dallas Independent School District Trustee Maxie Johnson said the first step in saving lives is getting people registered for the vaccine. At South Oak Cliff High School on Saturday, people in and around the community can attend a vaccine registration drive.
“Tomorrow this is a clarion call,” said Johnson. “The community needs our help. We see that with the pandemic in communities of color, people have died because of underlying issues.”
Want to Get on a Vaccine Waitlist?
County health departments have launched waitlists for adults 16 years old and over.
You can register to recieve the vaccination in Collin, Dallas, Denton and Tarrant counties. Links are below:
Waitlist Links: Collin - Search Waitlist | Dallas | Denton | Tarrant
You do not need to be a resident of the county to register for a COVID-19 vaccine in that county -- registration is open to anyone in Texas. For those without internet access, Tarrant County is also taking registrations by phone at 817-248-6299. In Dallas County, call the DCHHS vaccine hotline at 1-855-IMMUNE9 (1-855-466-8639). In Denton County, call 940-349-2585.
For a more detailed breakdown of who is included in each priority group in Texas, see this page from the Texas DSHS.
Like others we’ve seen over the past several days hosting similar events, Johnson tells us there’s a technology gap and lack of know-how.
“Some don’t have computers and some of our community is just the older generation and the new technology is just difficult for them,” he said.
Data from our partners at The Dallas Morning News supports the notion that Black and brown people simply aren’t signing up for the vaccine at the same rate as white people.
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Their research tracked enrollment through Jan. 24. It found six out of 10 of those enrolled for the vaccine in Dallas were white. Just one out of every 10 enrolled for the vaccine was Black. And then there’s the Hispanic community which makes up 42% of the city’s population and 20% of vaccine enrollment.
“This is a difficult time and we’re just doing what we have to do to survive and make it through this difficult situation,” said Johnson.
The registration will be held at South Oak Cliff High School Saturday between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m.
Texas COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution
Data from the Texas Department of State Health Services shows where COVID-19 vaccines have been sent around the state. Click on a marker to find out information about each location. Use the "plus" and "minus" signs below to zoom in and out of the map.
From the Texas DSHS: Availability of COVID-19 vaccines lilsted on this map are based on shipping information and reporting to the DSHS directly by facilities. Please contact providers in advance to confirm vaccination location and hours, that they have vaccine on hand and that you are eligible for vaccination at that site. Not all providers are vaccinating the public or people in all priority groups. Vaccine is available at no charge, regardless of insurance status.
*Map locations are approximate, central locations for the city and are not meant to indicate where actual infected people live.
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