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Tarrant County continues mass COVID-19 vaccination effort as Dallas County waits for more doses

By and
Published  January 4, 2021 5:34pm CST
Tarrant County
FOX 4

Tarrant County continues mass COVID-19 vaccination effort as Dallas County waits for more doses

The vaccination rollout in Dallas County is a step behind what we're seeing in Tarrant.

FORT WORTH, Texas - Dallas County officials said it will be at least another week before a mass COVID-19 vaccination campaign can begin like the one that continued on Monday in Tarrant County.

There were long lines at a site in Fort Worth as the health department administered the COVID-19 Moderna vaccine. It wasn’t only for first responders and health care workers, but also by appointment for people in group 1B: those 65+ and others with underlying health issues.

"It was much better than I thought it would be. It’s been a little over two hours and everything is so organized," said Nancy Quirk.

People who registered and were notified to be vaccinated waited patiently for the first dose. Officials said they were processing about 160 people an hour.

The Tarrant County Health Department is armed with ample vaccine.

"We have no plans to shut down. In fact, we're looking for opportunities to expand to other locations and open up more sites," said Erin Beasley, Immunization Division Manager, Tarrant County Public Health.

Last week, the Arlington Fire Department gave out more than 3,000 shots. The fire department did not make appointments mandatory. This week, they are partnering with JPS Health System to distribute another 4,500 doses by appointment only.

"We saw our week four allotment being only 500 from the state," said Arlington Fire Chief Don Crowson. "We knew we could do more so we connected with our partners at TCPH and we came to a solution point that is going to allow us to transfer 4,500 doses from JPS to Arlington."

Arlington continues distributing COVID-19 vaccines to residents

The vaccination rollout across North Texas is in full swing but it seems more accessible for those in Tarrant County. FOX 4's Shannon Murray talked to people waiting at Esports Stadium in Arlington for a shot.

Diane Onale woke up early Tuesday to make sure she got her shot.

"I came here last Thursday in that pouring rain, almost got into a horrible accident. Got here and they were out of the vaccine and I did have the appointment. So this morning, I set my alarm for 3:30 a.m. to be sure I was going to get it. Because I think if I don't get it today I'm going to be hysterical," she said. "At first I didn't think it was important until all of a sudden friends that I know have all gotten it and some have gotten very severe cases. And some friends of mine have friends who have died from it. And I just think I'm 79 years old and I want to make it to at least 90."

Multiple vaccine sites are streamlining all appointments through the Tarrant County website, meaning no walk-ins will be allowed. People are also urged to not come hours before an appointment to prevent long lines.

People in Tarrant County who were vaccinated said this is a big step but know we will have to continue to wear masks and use social distancing for months to come.

Meanwhile, the vaccination rollout in Dallas County is a step behind what is happening in Tarrant County.

The Dallas County Health Department is out after getting 1,200 doses on Dec. 23 and none since.

"I did point that out and encouraged them to get us more shots, but they didn’t have an explanation as to why they were doing that," said Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins.

COVID-19 vaccine supplies limited in Dallas County

Dallas County seems to be lagging in giving out coronavirus vaccines. It is still trying to reach health care workers and first responders. FOX 4's Terrance Friday explains.

Dallas County hospitals have thousands of doses but are giving them to front line workers, first responders and eligible patients. But, there are few vaccination events for the eligible public.

Jenkins asked State Health Commissioner John Hellerstedt on Sunday when more vaccine would arrive in Dallas County and how much.

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"They have said that they would send us not today, but next Monday, 2,000 shots a day for us to send out. Now for this week, they're still telling us they are only going to send us 1,200 shots," Jenkins said.

Those 1,200 will mostly go to healthcare workers in the county, officials said.

About 38,000 people have registered to get shots in the arm on Dallas County’s website. People eligible to sign up include those 65-plus or with other health issues. They'll have to wait until at least next week.

"Other counties have gotten more doses through their Health And Human Services departments. I’m not sure that when you balance it out with Parkland, all of our hospitals and all of our doctor’s offices that we have gotten less than is appropriate. But I have no way of knowing," Jenkins said.

"We're at the mercy of the, we all are, you are, at the mercy of the State of Texas to get those doses out because the only way you can get a vaccine is at a doctor or a local government is currently through the state."

If Dallas County gets its 2,000 doses a day next week and that continues going forward, Jenkins feels they'll catch up pretty quickly with those waiting for the COVID-19 vaccine.

It’s important to note that pharmacies at places like Kroger and Tom Thumb and other locations in Dallas County are also vaccine providers.

Health officials want to stress to not wait in line if you do not have an appointment because you will be turned away.

COVID-19 Vaccine Registration