Dallas County Health and Human Services say it’s time to stop playing the game show “Who can get a vaccine today?” Dallas County residents now schedule a same-day or next-day appointment thanks to the launch of the COVID-19 Vaccination Scheduler.

After completing a brief screening questionnaire, residents may book their own Covid-19 vaccine appointment at the Dallas Fair Park Community Vaccination Center. The country has increased its available supply of messenger RNA vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna, making the wait system unnecessary.

Over the past few months, many Dallas Fort Worth residents have been frustrated over the long waiting period and effort required to find an available vaccine. This self-scheduling program should reduce the wait time, improve efficiency and increase vaccine access throughout the Metroplex.

Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins said in a press release, “There is plenty of vaccines. What’s stopping you from getting yours this week?”

Residents who are 55 and older do not need an appointment to get their Covid-19 vaccine. Those who meet the age requirements may bring a photo ID to Gates 2 and 10 during regular operating hours. The full calendar with operations hours is listed here.

Photo: Sanja Radin Istock/Getty Images 

Dallas County continues to set the bar high through its efforts to ensure equitable vaccine access. The County partnered with the Office of Emergency Management to offer the Covid-19 vaccine to homebound residents who cannot physically get to a vaccine site. Many older adults and people with disabilities face challenges finding access to Covid-19 vaccination. The Visiting Nurse Association (VNA) and Meals on Wheels programs will bring Covid-19 vaccines to the homes of our city’s senior and most vulnerable population.

The FDA-approved Moderna and Pfizer vaccines are currently in use, offering 95% protection against Covid-19. The Covid-19 vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna use messenger RNA (mRNA). A single strand of mRNA delivers instructions to human cells to produce an antibody against the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein.

The Moderna vaccine is approved for those 18 years old and up. The Pfizer vaccine is approved starting at age 16. Both vaccines are highly effective in preventing death

The CDC and FDA hit the pause button on the Janssen/Johnson and Johnson vaccine on April 14 after six cases of a rare clotting disorder have been identified out of the 6.8 million US doses given. This news comes as the single-dose vaccine is in short supply due to a Baltimore facility’s manufacturing problems.

Source: FDA Twitter.com

The CDC convened a meeting on Wednesday, April 15, with the Advisory Committee on Immunization to determine the next steps. The US is addressing concerns for a potential link between the vaccine and rare clotting disorders seriously. The committee plans to continue the Johnson and Johnson vaccine pause until more research and data analytics can be done.

Many fear this move by the FDA and CDC may increase vaccine hesitancy. Others highlight the transparency and quick action should inspire public confidence by the regulatory agencies. Despite the Johnson and Johnson setback, The US has enough supply of the Moderna and Pfizer vaccine to provide coverage for any adult who wants it.

Many vaccine-hesitant individuals express fears over the vaccine approval process. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has a strict protocol for vaccine approval. Enough data to qualify for emergency use authorization of the Covid-19 vaccines was made possible because of the substantial $10 billion financial investment combined with the virus’s high prevalence worldwide. The FDA did not rush the vaccine approval. It was well-funded, and there were a massive number of trial candidates.

An effective vaccine is only useful if people get it.

Thanks to the Dallas County Health and Human Services department, residents will be able to get the protection they need.

Resident can book a Covid-19 vaccine appointment in Dallas here or call 1-888-IMMUNE9.

Article originally published by Newsbreak.

Blog Author: Dr. Jeff Livingston 

Main Blog Photo By: Dallas County Health Services