COVID-19 Hotline: 817-248-6299
This data dashboard is updated on Wednesdays only.
Tarrant County Public Health is
offering COVID-19 Vaccinations
As directed by the Texas Department of State Health Services, Tarrant County Public Health along with other Texas-based health entities, is providing vaccinations in phases. Vaccine appointments will first go to those most at risk of catching, spreading or dying from COVID-19. The initial groups are called Phase 1A and 1B (see below). If you are eligible, please register and you will be assigned an appointment as vaccine becomes available.
If you are not eligible at this time, you can still sign up and we will assign you to a group as the State announces other phases. If you show up without an appointment, you will be turned away.
Who Is eligible for vaccine?
Those initially eligible according to the state guidelines are people most at-risk of catching, spreading or dying from COVID-19. These people have been grouped 1A and 1B. (see below)
1A
1B
What if I'm not in either category but want the vaccine?
Currently we are only able to vaccinate those who are in groups 1A and 1B. All others are encouraged to register. Even though you many not qualify right away, vaccine will be offered to more people as the vaccine supply increases and state allows for more groups to be vaccinated. Public announcements will be made when this happens.
How do I register to receive my shot from Tarrant County Public Health and its partners?
To register for the vaccine, click the registration button above.
We are scheduling individual appointments; it is preferred that each person registering uses their own email address. If you only have one email address for the family, please create additional emails for each person registering for the vaccine. This link will help you set up a free email account.
When you register you will be asked to provide information that will help us to determine your group.
What if I don’t have a computer or anyone to help me register?
You can call our hotline number (817-248-6299) and someone will help you register. Computers are also available at public libraries.
How do I know I successully registered?
Everyone completing registration will receive an automatic confirmation email, and registration identification (ID) number. The email means that you have succesfully registered, and are in the system. You will be assigned a vaccine appointment as soon as vaccine is available. You may call the hotline (817-248-6299) to get your registration ID number if you do not receive it in an email within 24 hours after registering. You may use the registration ID to do your status check .
What happens once I receive an appointment?
You will receive your appointment information through either email, phone, and/or text message. Your appointment may be scheduled at any of our partner locations, please follow the instructions in your appointment message. You must go to the appointment location on the date and time given in the message in order ensure that you receive the vaccine. Appointments cannot be rescheduled.
Visit the CDC page: “What to Expect at Your Appointment to Get Vaccinated for COVID-19" for more information.
I’ve heard the lines and wait are long. Is this true?
Lines can be long at times. We are making every effort to move as quickly as possible. We encourage people to show up no more than an hour before their appointment. Individuals with medical conditions that make standing in line difficult can speak to medical screeners on-site, who will accommodate them. If you have mobility issues you may bring someone to stand in line for you, or you may bring a portable chair to use while you wait for your vaccine.
Will you be opening more vaccination locations or a drive thru clinic?
As more vaccine becomes available we will use drive-throughs, mobile clinics, and more community locations to increase the number of people we are able to vaccinate.
What if I can’t go to my appointment?
Please make every effort to show up to your appointment at the scheduled location, date and time. If you can't make your appointment day, please come the very next day. Please do not re-register if you miss your appointment, call the hotline and they will provide help.
What if I want to cancel my appointment?
Click on the STATUS CHECK button on the vaccine registration website (www.tarrantcounty.com/covidshot) to cancel your appointment in advance.
Do I need to register for the second dose?
No. Your first registration covers that. You'll receive information on your second dose when you go to your first appointment.
Hotline for COVID-19 Vaccine
Wait times vary depending on the number of calls we receive; we are doing our best to respond. If you are calling about your registration status please go to www.tarrantcounty.com/covidshot and press the status check button on website. The call center cannot provide any update on your registration.
For those who need help registering, please call the hotline (817-248-6299)
What if I need transportation to my COVID-19 vaccination appointment?
If you need a ride to get your COVID-19 vaccination, you have several options:
Catholic Charities of Fort Worth offers
free rides to vaccination appointments using the Tarrant County
Transporation Services (TCTS) and the Northeast Transporation Services
(NETS) from 6:15 a.m. - 6 p.m., Monday - Friday.
Call 817-336-8714
Trinity Metro is also offering free rides
to customers traveling to get their COVID-19 shot, with bus routes
serving the Tarrant County Resource Connection in south Fort Worth,
the Hurst Convention Center in Hurst, and the Bob Bolen Public Safety
Complex in Fort Worth.
Call 817-215-8600
Via/Handitran goes to Globe Life Field in
Arlington.
Call 817-459-5390
Passengers need to show the operator or train conductor their appointment text or email from Tarrant County Public Health to ride for free.
What is the status of the COVID-19 vaccines that are being developed?
There are currently several vaccines under development. The FDA has granted an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) to the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines and may choose to give other vaccines the same approval based on the careful review of the safety data. Additional COVID-19 vaccines in development are expected to be available in 2021.
Why is there a limited amount of COVID-19 vaccine?
Right now, there are only two manufacturers whose vaccines have been given federal approval for distribution. They are attempting to supply the nation. Other manufacturers have vaccine that is still in clinical trials and awaiting federal approval. Once approved, these vaccines will be added to the current supply.
How effective are the approved vaccines?
Two COVID-19 vaccines (produced by Pfizer and Moderna Therapeutics), report being 95 percent effective.
How will we know these COVID-19 vaccines are safe?
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has a known and proven process for the verification of vaccines, and while these COVID-19 vaccines have been made available quickly, no step in the safety and efficacy process was skipped. The FDA issued Emergency Use Agreements (EAUs) for the first COVID-19 vaccines, only after enough scientific data was shown to indicate the vaccines safety and efficacy in a clear and compelling manner.
The current vaccines, even those with EUAs, continue through a trial phase, where they are tracking their volunteers to learn more about the long-term outcomes of taking the vaccine.
Emergency room doctor receiving first dose of COVID-19 vaccine.
Can the vaccine give you
the virus?
The initial vaccines being considered, both Pfizer and Moderna, do not contain live virus, which means they cannot give someone COVID-19. Additionally, recipients of the vaccine are not contagious and cannot spread COVID-19.
It is possible for someone to be infected with COVID-19 prior to receiving the vaccine and thus they would be contagious as any other person infected with COVID-19 and could still test positive on a COVID-19 diagnostic PCR, or rapid test. An uninfected vaccine recipient however would not test positive on a PCR or rapid test but could test positive on an antibody-based test.
What vaccines are being given in Tarrant County, and how are the vaccines different?
Vaccine Manufacturer | Dose & Interval |
Pfizer |
Two doses 21 days apart |
Moderna Therapeutics | Two doses 28 days apart |
Why is there a limited amount of COVID-19 vaccine?
Right now, there are only two company’s making the approved vaccines so supply is limited. Other manufacturers are awaiting approval. Once approved, these vaccines will be added to the current supply.
COVID-19 Vaccine Allocation Guiding Principles and Health Care Workers Definition
Should I get vaccinated if I already had COVID-19?
Yes. The vaccine is recommended for people who previously have been infected with COVID-19.
Can I choose which vaccine I want to take?
If you register through TCPH, you will be assigned vaccine. This may change in the future once more vaccine is available.
Once people start taking the COVID-19 vaccine, will we need to keep wearing masks and social distancing?
Yes. The vaccine is one major tool in reducing the spread of Covid-19. However, vaccine supplies are limited so people need to continue to social distancing and wearing masks to stop the spread of the virus.
Can my child get the COVID-19 vaccine?
There are no vaccines for people under the age of 16 at this time. Pfizer can be given to people aged 16 and older while Moderna can only be given to those 18 and older. (TCPH does not provide the COVID-19 vaccine to children under 18 years of age.)
What will the COVID-19 vaccine cost?
The vaccine is free. Operation Warp Speed, a federal program, is paying all the costs associated with vaccinations.
Is getting a COVID-19 vaccine immunization mandatory?
COVID-19 vaccinations are voluntary, but we strongly recommend all eligible persons get the vaccine.
Tarrant County Juvenile Detention nurse receives her first dose of COVID-19 vaccine.
Where will people go to get
the COVID-19 vaccine?
Once you register for the vaccine, you will be assigned a location within Tarrant County to go get the vaccine.
How many doses of vaccine will I need?
The vaccines currently being used require two doses. Vaccines approved in the future may require 1-2 doses.
Tarrant County Sheriff Deputy receives his first dose of COVID-19 vaccine.
How long do I have to wait
between doses?
Depending on the vaccine you receive, there is a 21-28
days between the first and second dose. Your vaccine provider will
tell you when to return for your booster (second dose). Information
will be provided to everyone who receives the COVID-19 vaccine to
ensure they receive the correct second dose.
Does the COVID-19 vaccines require special handling?
Yes, each vaccine has different storage and preparation requirements. Public Health staff are trained to make sure that vaccine is stored and used properly.
What will I receive to show that I was vaccinated?
Those receiving the COVID-19 vaccine will receive a vaccination card, and will have teh immunization noted on their offical IMMTAC vaccine record.
How can I let the CDC know about my side effects?
Use your smartphone to tell CDC about any side effects after getting the COVID-19 vaccine. You’ll also get reminders if you need a second vaccine dose.
V-safe is a smartphone-based tool that uses text messaging and web surveys to provide personalized health check-ins after you receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Through v-safe, you can quickly tell CDC if you have any side effects after getting the COVID-19 vaccine. Depending on your answers, someone from CDC may call to check on you and get more information. V-safe will also remind you to get your second COVID-19 vaccine dose if you need one.
Note: V-safe cannot schedule vaccine appointments, including second doses of COVID-19 vaccines. If you need to schedule, reschedule, or cancel a COVID-19 vaccination appointment, contact the location that set up your appointment or a vaccine provider in your area. This may be your state or local health department, employer, or vaccine provider.
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