Updated 7:12 p.m. May 17: Revised with additional information.
Close to 50% of Texans age 12 and older had received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine as of May 17, according to the state’s dashboard. In El Paso County, more than 440,00 people had received an initial dose.
Here’s what to know about getting vaccinated in El Paso:
Who are providers vaccinating?
The Pfizer vaccine is approved for use in people age 12 and up, and the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines are available for those 18 and older.
The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines require two doses given between 21 to 28 days apart, while the Johnson & Johnson vaccine is a single dose.
Who is giving out COVID-19 vaccines?
The state sends doses to mass vaccination hubs as well as doctor’s offices, community health clinics and pharmacies. El Paso’s hubs are run by the University Medical Center of El Paso and the city of El Paso. You can find smaller vaccine providers here.
The federal government also sends doses directly to select CVS, Walgreens, Walmart and Sam’s Clubs stores, as well as to the El Paso Veterans Affairs Health Care System.
How do I schedule a first-dose vaccine appointment?
UMC offers walk-up vaccinations at the El Paso County Coliseum, 4100 E. Paisano Drive, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday-Saturday.
You can also schedule an appointment through UMC’s online portal. You can make an appointment by phone from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays by calling 915-975-8901.
The city of El Paso’s walk-up vaccination site at the Judson F. Williams Convention Center, 1 Civic Center Plaza, is open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday-Saturday.
You can schedule an appointment with the city of Paso through its online portal or by calling 915-212-6843.
The Texas Department of Emergency Management and Texas Military Department offer walk-up vaccinations at the Fox Plaza Shopping Center at 5559 Alameda Ave., from 4 to 8:30 p.m. Monday-Friday and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday.
The city of Socorro appointment scheduler can be accessed online, or by calling 915-858-2915.
You can schedule an appointment with Immunize El Paso online, or by calling 915-533-3414.
CVS appointments can be made online or by calling 800-746-7287. Walmart and Sam’s Club appointments are made online, as are those at Walgreens.
TRICARE beneficiaries can schedule an appointment at William Beaumont Army Medical Center here, or call 915-742-2273.
Is the vaccine free?
The vaccine is free, although providers can charge a fee for administering the shot. Insurance covers this fee. Uninsured people cannot be charged this fee and providers instead will be reimbursed by the federal government.
How many people need to be vaccinated to reach herd immunity?
El Paso health experts say 75% to 85% of the population needs to be fully vaccinated to reach herd immunity and stop the virus from circulating.
Where can I find more information about the vaccine?
The city’s COVID-19 vaccine website includes answers to frequently asked questions. People can also call the city COVID-19 hotline at 915-212-6843.
