Austin, Texas – All Austin Public Health (APH) COVID-19 testing and vaccination sites will remain closed Friday, Feb. 19 due to inclement weather. The sites have been closed since Saturday, Feb. 12 for the same reason. 

APH staff have and continue to diligently monitor the vaccine to ensure it is safe and secure during the winter weather event. 

“We know these are challenging times as our staff, their families, and our entire community are grappling with issues caused by the weather,” said APH Director Stephanie Hayden-Howard. “We assure you that as soon as we can safely give the vaccine again, we will notify the public.”

People with current vaccination appointments will receive a cancellation email or text. It is not known when vaccine operations will be able to resume. Anyone who receives a cancellation will be contacted by APH to reschedule. However, APH will not send out new appointments until we are confident that we can safely restart operations. 

“We greatly appreciate the community’s patience as we work through these unprecedented times,” said Dr. Mark Escott, Interim Austin-Travis County Health Authority. “While there may be several days between the time your appointment is canceled and your new appointment information is sent, it is important to remember that there is  flexibility allowed between doses without losing effectiveness.” 

Dr. Escott reiterated: “Your body works with the vaccine to make the first dose stronger over time. The second dose is a booster and a delay will not diminish its efficacy.” 

Both first and second doses are provided by appointment only. Please do not show up at the vaccine sites without an appointment as that will interfere with the vaccine operations.

Vaccine Sites:  

• We are currently prioritizing second dose appointments. If you are eligible and waiting for a first dose appointment, continue to check your email, including your spam folder, for updates.    
• CDC recommends you should not get the second dose earlier than the recommended 3- or 4-week interval. There is no maximum time between the first and second doses for either vaccine.  
• We will be rescheduling those needing second doses by giving a new time, date and location. If you cannot make it, we will work to reschedule again.  

Testing Sites: 

• As testing sites remain closed, continue to check www.austintexas.gov/covid-testinfo for updates. 
  If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 and are unable to get a test, continue to self-isolate for at least 10 days since symptom onset and at least 1 day following the resolution of fever and improvement of other symptoms. 

COVID-19 Hotel Facility: 

• The Austin-Travis County Hotel Facility is still operating with limited capacity and providing free lodging for those who cannot safely distance and meet one of the following criteria:
  • Need to self-monitor due to COVID-19 exposure  
  • Have symptoms of COVID-19, but have not been tested
  • Have symptoms of COVID-19 and are awaiting test results  
  • Have tested positive for COVID-19
• To make arrangements to stay at the facility, call 512-810-7554. 
• If you need transportation to the facility, please call 311 or email coaemergencyrides@austintexas.gov. Provide your name, phone number, address, number of people needing transport and medical needs. 
• Please note that capacity is currently limited at the facility so even if you meet the criteria you are not guaranteed a room. Best practices for safely self-isolating at home include designating a separate bedroom and bathroom for the person who is sick and if you have to share a space, make sure the room has good airflow. You should also avoid sharing personal items, wear a mask around others in the home, and frequently clean and disinfect your hands and surfaces.

For additional COVID-19 information and updates, visit www.AustinTexas.gov/COVID19.