Vaccination

• All available COVID-19 vaccines prevent moderate cases of COVID-19 and are extremely effective at preventing more severe cases that can lead to hospitalization and death.
• The COVID-19 vaccine can help protect you by creating an immunity response in your body without you having to become sick with COVID-19.
• Getting vaccinated also might help protect people around you from COVID-19, especially those at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19.

Who will notify us when it is our turn?

The City of San Antonio COVID-19 website shows the vaccination plans and which groups can receive the vaccine. Community members can also call 311 or consult your doctor.

Who is eligible?
Beginning March 29th, all adults are eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine in Texas. Most vaccines are authorized for people 18 years old and older; the FDA has authorized the Pfizer vaccine for use in people 12 and older.

*If you are pregnant, it is recommended to check with your doctor first.
You should allow 14 days (before or after) between your flu shot and the COVID-19 vaccine.

Do I need to show proof of Citizenship?

No. You will not need to prove citizenship to get a vaccine and public health will never share your information with any immigration or law enforcement agencies.

If I already had COVID-19 do I still take the vaccine?

Yes, people may get vaccinated after recovering from their COVID-19 infection.

Who should NOT get the Pfizer and Moderna vaccine?

• Anyone with a previous severe or immediate allergic reaction should consult with their doctor first.
• Those younger than 12 years of age for the Pfizer vaccine.
• Those younger than 18 years of age for the Moderna vaccine.
• People currently isolating or experiencing symptoms of COVID-19; these people can get vaccinated once they have finished 10-day isolation and symptoms have resolved. 

Can children receive the COVID-19 vaccine?

Currently, only the Pfizer vaccine is approved for individuals who are 12 years of age or older. No vaccines are approved for anyone under 12 years of age at this time.

Is parental/guardian consent needed for minors to receive the vaccine?

Yes. Parental consent (written or verbal) is required prior to vaccination for anyone under the age of 18.

Are parents/guardians required to accompany the child?

Yes. A parent/guardian are required to accompany children between the ages of 12 – 17 years old to receive the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccination.

What supporting paperwork will be needed to get my child the COVID-19 vaccine?

Children ages 12 and up are now eligible to receive the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine with parental consent. A photo ID (for the parent/guardian; & for the child if available) is preferred but not required. We are not requiring other supporting documentations such as birth certificates. The parent/guardian who accompanies the minor to the appointment can self-attest to the child’s age and identity.

As vaccines become more available, people will be able to get them at doctor’s offices, pharmacies, hospitals and other “usual” sites. Below is a list of large vaccine hubs in San Antonio. 

**Locations may be subject to change
*Additional providers within San Antonio can be located via the DSHS Vaccination page.

There is no charge for the vaccine or administration.  You do NOT need health insurance.

Is the vaccine safe?

Yes. Severe side effects are rare. Severe allergic reactions seem to be occurring about 1 for every 100,000 injections.

How were the vaccines developed so quickly?

Every study, every phase, and every trial was reviewed by the FDA and a safety board. Scientists have been working since the start of the pandemic to make COVID-19 vaccines as soon as possible.

Will the government be tracking me?

No. Individuals can decide to sign up with the State’s C immunization registry so individuals can have a record of receiving their COVID vaccine.

Is the vaccine made from fetuses?

No. The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines do not contain human fetal cells.

Does the vaccine have any blood cells in it?

No. The mRNA vaccines do not contain any blood products.

What are the possible side effects?

Side effects to the vaccine are normal. The most common side effects are:

• On the arm where you got the shot:
• • Pain
  • Swelling
• Throughout the rest of your body:
• • Fever
  • Chills
  • Tiredness
  • Headache

Helpful Tips

To reduce pain and discomfort where you got the shot:

• Apply a clean, cool, wet washcloth over the area.
• Use or exercise your arm.

To reduce discomfort from fever:

• Drink plenty of fluids.
• Dress Lightly.

You can take an over-the-counter medication (like acetaminophen [Tylenol]) after your vaccine to help with side effects if you have no other medical reasons that prevent you from taking these medications normally.

Will I get as sick receiving the vaccine as I would from the virus?

No. You cannot become infected, or infect others, from receiving the vaccine because it does not contain any live virus.

Are the side effects after the 2nd dose different?

Many people report more side effects after their second dose compared to their first one. The most common side effects include fever, chills, tiredness, and headache. Side effects typically occur 24-48 hours after the injection, but they should go away in a few days.

Do I need to quarantine if I start experiencing side effects from the vaccine?

No. The side effects do not mean that you are sick with the virus. Side effects occur because the vaccine is preparing your body for if/when it comes into contact with COVID-19.

What do I do if I become sick between injections?

Discuss your side effects with a health practitioner to evaluate whether your side effects might be from COVID-19 infection, vaccine side effects, or another cause.

Do I need to get my 2nd dose at the same location as my 1st dose?

It is highly encouraged for everyone to receive their second dose of the vaccine at the same location that they received their first dose.

Do I need to get my 2nd dose from the same brand as my 1st dose?

Yes.

What happens if I don’t get the second dose?

It is highly recommended to complete both doses (Moderna/Pfizer) to receive the full benefit.

When should I get my 2nd dose?

Make every effort to get your second dose on schedule. If you miss your second dose appointment, try to get it as soon as possible.

What happens if I miss my appointment for my 2nd dose?

Your second dose may be given up to 6 weeks after the first dose, if necessary.

Do I still need to wear a mask and physically distance after receiving the vaccine?

Yes. You may still be able to spread COVID-19 after you’ve gotten the vaccine. However, continued prevention efforts may help keep others around you safe. The vaccine prevents serious cases of COVID-19. It also reduces COVID-19 cases overall, but it is not yet known how contagious vaccinated people will be if they have COVID-19.

How long does the protection from the vaccine last?

We do not yet know how long protection lasts after vaccination

Do I need to keep a record of my vaccination?

It is highly encouraged to keep a record of your vaccination in the event you need proof of vaccination in the future. It may be needed for things such as future travel. You are encouraged to take a picture of both the front and back of your vaccination card once you receive it.

Is there a record of my vaccination being kept?

Yes. If you want a copy of your vaccination record, start by contacting the clinic, doctor, or healthcare provider that administered the vaccination. If your provider has the record on file, this will be the fastest way of obtaining your records. Or you could request it from Texas DSHS by completing a record request form and mailing it to: Texas Department of State Health Services ImmTrac Group MC-1946 P.O. Box 149347 Austin, TX 78714-9347 OR Fax the record request form to: 512.776.7790; 512.776.7288. You can access this information by visiting https://www.dshs.state.tx.us/immunize

Will I need an annual shot?

This is currently unknown.

What do I do if I have been vaccinated but others around me have not?

You should continue practicing COVID prevention measures to protect yourself and others from COVID-19. These measures (such as wearing a mask, physically distancing, washing your hands) are the best way to avoid spreading the virus. The vaccine is NOT a cure and even when you are vaccinated, there is still a possibility that you could contract COVID-19 or spread it to others.

What do I do if others around me have been vaccinated but I have not?

You should continue practicing COVID prevention measures to protect yourself and others from COVID-19. These measures (such as wearing a mask, physically distancing, washing your hands) are the best way to avoid spreading the virus.

What happens if I am exposed to someone with COVID19 after I have received both doses of the vaccine?

Fully vaccinated people with no COVID-like symptoms do not need to quarantine or be tested after an exposure to someone with suspected or confirmed COVID-19, as their risk of infection is low. "Fully vaccinated" means more than two weeks have passed since the second dose in a 2-dose series, -OR- one dose of a single-dose vaccine. People should still monitor for symptoms of COVID-19 for 14 days after an exposure. If they experience symptoms, they should isolate themselves from others, and see a healthcare provider to discuss getting tested.

What can I do now that I have been vaccinated?

Fully vaccinated people can:

• Visit indoors in small groups with other fully vaccinated people without wearing masks or physical distancing
• Should still avoid medium or large-size gatherings
• Visit indoors with unvaccinated people from a single household who are at low risk for severe COVID-19 disease without wearing masks or physical distancing

No.

Yes. You will need to make an appointment. Appointments are available based on the quantity of vaccine received.

Residents who would like to sign-up for this waitlist can register online:

• Sign-up to be placed on the San Antonio COVID-19 waitlist - English
• Inscríbase para apuntarse en la lista de espera para la vacuna de COVID-19 en San Antonio - español

If you need assistance, please call the COVID-19 Hotline.

The information provided by residents will then be entered into a secure data base which is only accessed by vaccine providers. At this time University Health, UT Health San Antonio, Metro Health, and WellMed are some of the current providers participating in this pilot waitlist program.

Find out more:

• San Antonio COVID-19 Vaccine Waitlist Q & A - English(PDF, 137KB)
• Preguntas y respuestas sobre la lista de espera para la vacuna contra el COVID-19 en San Antonio - español(PDF, 83KB)

Please see the Location information on the vaccination registration page for directions and arrival instructions.

You need to bring an ID and wear a face mask.

By registering for this location you acknowledge you are part of Phase 1A or 1B. Age verification, and/or qualified chronic medical conditions will be verified upon arrival.

The state leaves the door open by saying that the list provided is not comprehensive. If you have questions about whether you should take the vaccine, ask your primary care doctor.

You will need to schedule an appointment for your second dose. You can schedule it at the same location or ask your doctor if their office can administer the second dose. You do not need to take the second dose at the same location, but you must use the same manufacturer as you first dose. (i.e.; If you received the Moderna vaccine at your first dose, you must receive the Moderna vaccine for your second dose. Your vaccine may not be effective if you do not use the same manufacturer for your second dose.)

The timing between your first and second shot depends on which vaccine you received. You should not get the second dose earlier than the recommended interval.

• If you received the Moderna vaccine, you will need to wait at least 24 days after your first dose.
• If you received the Pfizer vaccine, you will need to wait at least 21 days after your first dose.

You will need to complete the series of the 2 shots in order for them to work. Get the second shot even if you have side effects after receiving the first shot, unless a vaccination provider or your doctor tells you not to get a second shot.

At this time, we do not know when we will receive more vaccine. We will keep everyone updated by sharing all updates on social media. Look for @SAMetroHealth on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.

No.

COVID-19 vaccination will help protect you from getting COVID-19. You may have some side effects, which are normal signs that your body is building protection. These side effects may affect your ability to do daily activities, but they should go away in a few days.

• Common side-effects
  • On the arm where you got the shot:
    • Pain
    • Swelling
  • Throughout the rest of your body:
    • Fever
    • Chills
    • Tiredness
    • Headache
• If you have pain or discomfort, talk to your doctor about taking an over-the-counter medicine, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. You can also contact a Federally Qualified Health Center.
• If you get a COVID-19 vaccine and you think you might be having a severe allergic reaction after leaving the vaccination site, seek immediate medical care by calling 911. Learn more about COVID-19 vaccines and rare severe allergic reactions.
• CDC is also implementing a new smartphone-based tool called v-safe to check-in on people’s health after they receive a COVID-19 vaccine. When you receive your vaccine, you should also receive a v-safe information sheet telling you how to enroll in v-safe. If you enroll, you will receive regular text messages directing you to surveys where you can report any problems or adverse reactions you have after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine.
  • Learn more: What to Expect after Getting a COVID-19 Vaccine - English (PDF)
  • Qué esperar después de la aplicación de la vacuna contra el COVID-19 - español (PDF)

It’s important for everyone to continue using all the tools available to help stop this pandemic as we learn more about how COVID-19 vaccines work in real-world conditions. Cover your mouth and nose with a mask when around others, stay at least 6 feet away from others, avoid crowds, and wash your hands often.

No, the registration is not transferrable. Each person needs to register individually. Registration will be confirmed at the site for each person. Multiple registrations for the same person will be cancelled.

If you are looking to cancel your scheduled appointment please call 311 option 8 at least 24 hours ahead of your scheduled appointment or email your Name, DOB, Phone Number, Appointment Date, and Time asking for a cancellation to COVID-19@sanantonio.gov.

Metro Health will be scheduling second dose COVID-19 vaccine appointments on-site after patients receive their first dose at the Alamodome to streamline the scheduling process.