Galveston County opens COVID-19 high-risk vaccination waiting list

HOUSTON Galveston County and local health partners on Wednesday announced a new online waiting list application for those seeking the COVID-19 vaccine.

Appointments are currently available for high-risk individuals who meet the criteria in Phases 1A and 1B. You do not have to be a Galveston County resident or a UTMB patient to sign up for the waiting list, officials said.

The waiting list will start accepting applicants on Wednesday at 16:00

Go to utmbhealth.com/vaccine to register for the waiting list.

Officials said applicants would be asked to create an account and answer some health questions, which would be used by medical professionals to make sure those most likely to be hospitalized by COVID-19 had the opportunity get to schedule an appointment as the vaccine stock becomes. available.

The waiting list will be based on the risk level and people will be able to register for the waiting list on an ongoing basis, officials said.

Once a person is able to receive the vaccine based on his or her risk level, they will receive an email alerting them to schedule an appointment. Within the notice there will be a link to the website where they can schedule an appointment. The scheduling link will only be valid for 24 hours, officials said.

A separate email address is required for each person who wants to join the waiting list.

For those who may not have internet access or an email address, a telephone bank can help them with the waiting list registration process. They will be asked to provide an email address and a cell phone number for a family member or close friend to ensure they receive scheduling notifications.

The telephone bank can be reached at 877-389-2318.

Galveston County, UTMB Health and the Galveston County Health District continue to follow the requirements of the Texas Department of Public Health and vaccinate only those who fall under Phase 1A, health workers and Phase 1B, 65 and older or 16 and older with certain medical conditions.