Galveston County opens COVID-19 vaccine waiting list for high-risk people

HOUSTON – Galveston County and local health partners announced a new subscription to the online waiting list on Wednesday for those who wish to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

Appointments are currently available to high-risk individuals who meet Phase 1A and 1B criteria. You don’t have to be a resident of Galveston County or a UTMB patient to sign up for the waiting list, officials said.

The waiting list will begin accepting candidates on Wednesday at 4 pm.

Visit utmbhealth.com/vaccine to sign up for the waiting list.

Authorities said candidates will be asked to create an account and answer some health questions, which will be used by medical professionals to ensure that those most at risk of being hospitalized because of COVID-19 will have the opportunity to schedule an appointment when vaccine supplies become accessible.

The waiting list will be based on the level of risk and people will be able to apply for the waiting list continuously, officials said.

As soon as a person is eligible to receive the vaccine based on their level of risk, they will receive an email alerting them to schedule an appointment. Within the notification, there will be a link to the website where they can schedule a meeting. The scheduling link will only be valid for 24 hours, officials said.

A separate email address is required for each person interested in joining the waiting list.

For those who may not have access to the Internet or an active email address, a telephone bank can assist them with the waiting list registration process. They will be asked to provide an email and cell phone number to a relative or close friend to ensure that they receive scheduling notifications.

The telephone bank can be contacted at 877-389-2318.

Galveston County, UTMB Health and Galveston County Health District continue to follow the eligibility requirements of the State Health Services of Texas and are vaccinating only those who qualify for Phase 1A, healthcare professionals and Phase 1B, those aged 65 or over over 16 years with certain medical conditions.