The days of waiting for a COVID-19 vaccine in Dallas County appear to be over. The county health department’s waitlist has been closed, and North Texans can now book a same-day or next-day appointment for protection from the coronavirus at Dallas County’s Fair Park vaccine site, officials said Wednesday.
Appointments for first doses only can be made at the county’s website or by calling the county’s vaccine hotline — 1-855-466-8639. Additionally, Texans 55 or older are eligible to present themselves at the Fair Grounds without an appointment.
The transition is a symbolic turning point in the rush to vaccinate Americans. Earlier this year, when vaccines were in short supply, counties such as Dallas established waitlists to vet and prioritize residents based on eligibility requirements set by state officials.
Today anyone over 16 is eligible for the shot and there is more than enough doses, officials say.
People who previously registered with the county but were not invited to book an appointment and are still in need of an inoculation should book on the new system, officials said.
Online registration systems prevented a barrier for many Dallas County residents who lack quality internet access and technology skills. After it became apparent Black and Hispanic communities were not being vaccinated, city and county officials rushed to get more residents signed up with registration events hosted throughout Dallas.
UPDATED 10:30 a.m., April 15: This article has been clarified to reflect the new scheduling system is for first doses only.
