Williamson County Gets First Allotment Of Coronavirus Vaccines

WILLIAMSON, COUNTY, TX — The Williamson County and Cities Health District received its first allotment of 900 doses of Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, officials said Wednesday.

The health district is following the Department of State Health Services Texas Vaccination Plan, which is currently in Phase 1A of vaccine distribution, according to a county advisory. Doses received by WCCHD will go toward those eligible for Phase 1A vaccination: Firefighters who engage in 9-1-1 emergency services such as pre-hospital care, last responders who provide mortuary or death services to decedents with COVID-19 and school nurses who provide health care to students and teachers.

“Having the vaccine finally gives us hope for a future without COVID,” said Dr. Lori Palazzo, WCCHD Medical Director and Health Authority. “We are excited to be able to offer this vaccine to those who put themselves at risk for our community."

Closed vaccination clinics will begin operations immediately after Christmas, and health district official said they would release further details closer to the date.

Phase 1B vaccine recipients will likely be able to get the vaccine starting in January 2021, officials noted. These include people 65 years of age and older, and people over age 16 with at least one chronic medical condition that puts them at greater risk. The general public should expect the vaccine to be available to anyone in Spring 2021, officials added, but that may change depending on vaccine production and how quickly other vaccines become available.

For more information about the COVID-19 vaccines and state distribution plan, visit the Texas State Department of Health Services website or the Williamson County and Cities Health District website.