The number of jeans receiving the COVID-19 vaccine is increasing by a thousand every day, but this leads to frustrations and long waiting times for some.
Tarrant County is processing approximately 160 people every hour at a clinic that operates near the 35W interstate interchange with Interstate 20.
NBC5 received news from viewers who waited up to four hours in line on Monday to get their vaccine and others, who, despite having an appointment, received a “rain check” and asked to return the the next day.
Those waiting in Tarrant County are expected to register through the county website and receive an appointment, but Tarrant County Judge Glen Whitley said some people only showed up to get a vaccine. without prior appointment and this caused longer lines and confusion.
Whitley said the county is working to make the process smoother for everyone and is currently reviewing other possible clinic sites.
“People found out we were giving vaccines to those in 1B and it opened up and they made a quick burst to where they could find it,” Whitley said.
Tarrant County Public Health spokesman Brian Murnahan said anyone who is unable to stand for long periods of time can notify the staff at the head of the line and they will be taken measures.
As of Monday, more than 100,000 people have signed up to get vaccinated across Tarrant County.
Whitley expected 1,600 people to be vaccinated on Monday and 1,500 more vaccines on Tuesday with more vaccine shipments on the way.
Although Tarrant County has been able to vaccinate more people than surrounding counties, not all public health departments have the same capacity.
A Dallas county spokesman said they still only have enough vaccines to prioritize first aid, but that they expect a state vaccine shipment this week. As of Monday morning, some 37,000 people have previously registered through the Dallas County website to receive the vaccine once it becomes available.
Denton County Public Health vaccinated about 450 people during a clinic conducted this Monday morning, but registration is now closed because they are not vaccinated.
County health departments highlight only people who are in the official Phase 1A or Phase 1B category, according to criteria set by the State of Texas, who can receive the vaccine.
People in the Phase 1A category include medical professionals and people who live or work in long-term care centers.
People in Phase 1B category include anyone who is at least 65 years old or anyone who is at least 16 years old and has any of the chronic health conditions that make them more susceptible to COVID-19.
Also starting Monday, some of the first health workers to receive the initial dose of the COVID-19 vaccine will receive their second and final dose.
As of 7 a.m. Monday, Methodist Dallas medical professionals had planned to receive the second dose of the vaccine, exactly three weeks after receiving the first dose.
* Map locations are approximate, central locations in the city and are not intended to indicate where infected people live.
** County totals below include the 32 counties in North Texas, not just Collin, Dallas, Denton and Tarrant.