Galveston County opens COVID-19 vaccine waiting list for high-risk people

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

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

The waiting list will begin accepting applicants on Wednesday at 4 p.m.

Go to utmbhealth.com/vaccine to sign up for the waiting list.

Officials said applicants will need to create an account and answer some health questions, which will be used by medical professionals to make sure those at risk of being hospitalized for COVID-19 have a chance to schedule an appointment as vaccine supplies occur. available.

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

When a person meets the requirements to receive the vaccine based on their level of risk, they will receive an email notifying them of an appointment. Within the notification, there will be a link to the website where they can make an appointment. The scheduling link will only be valid for 24 hours, according to officials.

A separate email address is required for each person interested in joining the waiting list.

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

You can reach the telephone bank at 877-389-2318.

Galveston County, UTMB Health and the Galveston County Health District continue to meet the eligibility requirements of the Texas State Department of Health Services and only vaccinate those under Phase 1A, health care workers and phase 1B, those over 65 or over 16 with certain medical conditions.