AUSTIN, Texas — As Phase 1 of Texas’ vaccine rollout continues, the Texas Department of State Health Services is now urging all providers that have COVID-19 vaccines to vaccinate all willing Phase 1A, then Phase 1B, individuals immediately. 

Initially Texas received approximately 1.4 million doses, and more vaccines are on the way. 

After vaccinating as many willing members of Phase 1A as possible, providers can move on to vaccinate anyone in Phase 1B.

Exactly what prompted DSHS to speed the process up wasn't immediately disclosed but it comes on the heels of the state reporting a record-breaking 11,351 COVID-19 patients in hospitals and 12,841 new confirmed cases on Monday alone. In fact, in counties including Bexar and Comal, COVID-19 patients have accounted for more than 15% of total hospitalizations for more than seven days, prompting those counties to reduce business occupancy from 75% to 50% and close businesses operating as bars. 

Frontline health care workers and residents of long-term care facilities are in Phase 1A. Adults 65 or older and anyone 16 and older who has at least one chronic medical condition that puts them at increased risk for severe illness from the virus that causes COVID-19 is in Phase 1B.

Anyone who falls in one of these groups you can visit the Texas COVID-19 vaccine provider locations map to find a nearby provider. 

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