Community members who wish to have the COVID-19 vaccine are now needing to search outside of San Saba County. According to Marsha Hardy, Emergency Management Coordinator, an estimated 1/3 to 1/2 of San Saba County's population have received at least one COVID-19 vaccination. Ms. Hardy explained a documented number is difficult to obtain since some residents received vaccinations in other counties.
Many residents received COVID-19 vaccinations through the San Saba clinics offered by the Texas Division of Emergency Management or by Texas Department of State Health Services. In addition, Everett's Pharmacy and Baylor Scott & White clinic in San Saba made vaccines available to all county residents.
However, now that the initial wave of local community members have received either the first or both shots, vaccine clinics or vaccine availability are not feasible due to the required number of vaccines to be given per solution vial. With this said, those who want or need a vaccine now have to search elsewhere. Thus, the crux of this article.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention website (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/How-Do-I-Get-a-COVID-19-Vaccine.html) displays a dedicated tab labeled "vaccines." Here, you will find a plethora of sub-tabs with the "need to know" information concering COVID-19 vaccines.
According to the CDC website, most all large pharmacies such as CVS, Walgreen's, Walmart (including Sam's Club), HEB and United offer COVID-19 vaccines. In addition, CDC recommends using the Vaccines.gov locater. This is a simple to use search where you enter your preference of vaccine and your zip code plus a search radius. Furthermore, call 1-800-232-0233 to find locations near you in the U.S.
While perusing CDC's COVID-19 website, you will see multiple tabs available to access any and all information regarding COVID-19 vaccines, including the "Benefits of Getting Vaccinated, "Key Things to Know," and "Frequently Asked Questions." The material and information presented leaves you feeling empowered with knowledge about these vaccines; knowledge based on science and research data provided by the CDC. This saying comes to mind: "Science doesn't lie."
So, if you have changed your mind and decided to get a COVID-19 vaccination; or, if you want to travel for vacation; or, if you decided to get the kids vaccinated (Pfizer-BioNTech for 12+). . . go to the aforementioned CDC website and read all the researched data and medical information made easily available to you. This tool will help you make informed decisions, as well as locate your chosen brand of vaccine nearest you.