Please note, the information in this article focuses on San Antonio, Texas. For updates on the COVID-19 vaccine in your area, visit www.AARP.org/vaccineinfo and look for ‘The COVID Vaccine in Your State’ search tool.
On February 24, Senior Planet San Antonio hosted a COVID-19 Town Hall with Councilwoman Shirley Gonzales (D5), Councilwoman Rebecca J. Viagran (D3), and Dr. Lyssa Ochoa, where we provided an opportunity for our community to learn about how the City is collaborating with the councilwomen and WellMed to provide the roll out of vaccines to older adults in San Antonio.
You can watch the full recording of the town hall HERE!
Here are the main takeaways:
How can older adults get a vaccine appointment in San Antonio as they are made available?
There are a few ways to sign up for a vaccine appointment if you are aged 65+ or 16+ with at least one chronic medical condition:
- University Health System: Click here to schedule an appointment online as they become available.
- Metropolitan Health Clinic: Click here to schedule an appointment or call 210-207-8894.
- WellMed: To get an appointment call 833-968-1745. Operators will take calls from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. until all slots are filled.
- CVS Pharmacies: Appointments can be made online at CVS.com as they are made available, or you can call the CVS customer service line at 800-746-7287.
- HEB Pharmacies: Appointments can be made online here.
What is the biggest barrier to getting a vaccine and what is the City doing to address this need?
The largest barrier to getting a vaccine currently is supply and ability to schedule an appointment, but the City is finding ways to increase efficiencies every day and your representatives are working tirelessly to get information out as they receive it.
To get alerts when vaccine appointments are available, you can opt-in by texting VACCINE to 55000 or in Spanish VACUNA to 55000. Once signed up, you will receive a text notifying you which locations have available appointments.
What is the best thing older adults can do to advocate for themselves?
Dr. Ochoa encourages all older adults to ask questions of their doctors: “Your questions are important and should be answered.” She adds that any physician should be able to answer your questions about the vaccine so you can understand the “why” behind why you should get it.
Additionally, Dr. Ochoa noted that if you feel more comfortable speaking to a physician in your native language it is within your rights to request a translator. She encourages all older adults to feel empowered to make that request in order to receive the best quality of health care.
COMMENTS
One response to “San Antonio COVID-19 Vaccine Resources and Updates”
After Hurricane Katrina, the San Antonio Fire Department developed an emergency preparedness contact list for homebound disabled & elderly. If we had a toxic spill and SAPD needed to evacuate, homebound could die if neighbors, friends, or family could not reach them. CPS has a list of people who depend on power. Under Dr. Guerra and Linda Hook, RN Metro Health had nurses and community workers who visited Housing authority apartments. During these years HUD/SAHA invested in Section 8 housing isolating at-risk families. The City of San Antonio and CPS has a Smart City Department with a pilot program to test and evaluate smart streetlights. A current contact list of at-risk people would be a good start in building a Smart City.
Sign Up for Newsletters
There’s always a lot going on in the Senior Planet universe. Get our newsletters to make sure you never miss a thing!
Sign Up Now