As of March 29, all Texans above the age of 16 are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine for free, other than possible administrative fees. Yet, the large number of providers available and their differing policies can make registering to get the shot a convoluted process. For those who are on or near campus, here are some options for getting vaccinated in the DFW area.
Pharmacies
Many CVS locations – including those in Plano, Rockwall, Burleson, Carrollton, Denton and Coppell – are currently administering the COVID vaccine. CVS is one of the few providers that are available for second dose-only appointments: their website states that they will “work with you” if you received your first dose elsewhere. Most of their locations are usually fully booked, but their availability is regularly updated on their website, sometimes at odd hours. If constantly watching the website for updates isn’t feasible for you, it may be easier to obtain an appointment if you’re willing to drive to one of the less in-demand locations.
Walgreens allows you to search for vaccine availability by zip code. To schedule an appointment, create an account on their website and complete an eligibility screening.
Cities and Counties
Dallas, Denton, Collin and Tarrant Counties have public health websites that allow you to schedule a vaccination appointment through an online form or by calling a hotline. Appointments at various Curative Medical Associates locations open every Friday at 10 AM. Several cities, including Frisco and Allen, have newsletters that you can sign up for to be notified when appointments become available. If you sign up through Dallas or Tarrant County, you will likely be vaccinated at one of the FEMA mass vaccination centers at Fair Park in Dallas or Globe Life Field in Arlington. You are not required to sign up in the county that you live in; in fact, signing up in multiple counties increases the likelihood that you will get to schedule your appointment sooner. However, once you receive your vaccine, make sure to remove your name from all the waitlists you’re still registered for out of consideration for those who are still waiting for their vaccine.
Baylor allows you to schedule your vaccination appointment by creating an account in their digital portal or calling their vaccine hotline, 1.844.BSW.VACC. Their scheduling availability is updated on a weekly basis. Vaccination locations include Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas and various other Baylor medical centers and clinics.
UT Southwestern Medical Center
UT Southwestern patients can sign up for the vaccine through their MyChart accounts. There is also a vaccine registration portal linked on their website for members of the general public. This portal opens every Monday and Thursday and remains open until all appointments are filled. UTSW states that you can expect to receive your first dose within two weeks of filling out your information in the portal.
Smaller Providers
Some local pharmacies and other smaller providers have also received doses of the vaccine. Most of these providers handle scheduling through their own individual websites. This map contains a list of such providers along with their current vaccine availability. It should be checked frequently, as this information is subject to updates.
CDC guidelines state that once you’re fully vaccinated, it’s safe to return to some pre-quarantine activities such as travel and indoor gatherings. The sooner most of us receive our vaccines, the sooner things will return to normal.
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