Vaccination

Get Vaccinated

For people with health insurance, most plans will cover COVID-19 and flu vaccines at no cost to the individual through their healthcare providers or pharmacy. Individuals without health insurance or those with plans that do not cover the cost of the COVID-19 vaccine can get it at no cost at Metro Health clinics or pharmacies participating in the CDC's Bridge Access Program. Look up sites participating in the Bridge Access Program.

Note: The vaccines currently allocated to Metro Health through the Bridge Access Program can only be administered to individuals who are uninsured or underinsured. Individuals with insurance can get the vaccines with the healthcare provider or pharmacy covered through their plan.

Community Vaccination Events

Explore an interactive map of “pop-up” vaccine clinic events in Bexar County. Metro Health is working with community agencies to host COVID-19 “pop-up” vaccine clinics using health and equity data to coordinate events.

No registration is needed. For any questions, call 311 or 210.207.6000 or email COVID-19@sanantonio.gov.

Both COVID-19 vaccines and Back To School vaccines (K-12) are available at no cost at Metro Health pop-up clinics.

You do not need to return to the same location to get your additional COVID-19 vaccine doses. Vaccines can be obtained at any location offering the COVID-19 vaccines.

Note: Pop-up clinic locations are subject to change, please verify the site is open before going.

Pop-up Vaccine Clinic Events Locator - English

Encuentre clínicas de vacunación móviles - español

Events: View a list of Metro Health Pop-up Vaccine Clinics.

Find Other COVID-19 Vaccination Locations

VaccineFinder helps you find clinics, pharmacies, and other locations that offer COVID-19 vaccines in the United States. Find more information about the VaccineFinder platform and data.

Find Other COVID-19 Vaccine Providers
Otros Proveedores con Vacunas COVID-19 - español

COVID-19 vaccine is widely available, and in many places no appointment is needed. The COVID-19 vaccine can be given to people who are 6 months and older.

Find a vaccine provider near you according to your zip code. Or text your Zip Code to (GETVAX) 438829  for English or VACUNA (822862) for Spanish to receive three vaccine sites to your phone within seconds

Call the National COVID-19 Vaccination Assistance Hotline at 1.800.232.0233 for those who prefer to get information via phone call.

COVID-19 Vaccine

Texas COVID-19 Vaccine & Virus Key Messages

March 1, 2024

The CDC released new respiratory virus guidance and FAQs. The updated guidance treats flu, COVID and RSV the same way.

Read the CDC's Updated Respiratory Virus Guidance.

Previous Key Messages

September 2023

September 12: The CDC recommends everyone 6 months and older get an updated COVID-19 vaccine to protect against the potentially serious outcomes of COVID-19 illness this fall and winter.

Read CDC media statement.

April 2023

April 19: Following FDA regulatory action, CDC has taken steps to simplify COVID-19 vaccine recommendations and allow more flexibility for people at higher risk who want the option of added protection from additional COVID-19 vaccine doses.

Read CDC media statement.

December 2022

December 9: The CDC expands the use of updated (bivalent) COVID-19 vaccines for children ages 6 months through 5 years. Children ages 6 months through 5 years who previously completed a Moderna primary series are eligible to receive a Moderna bivalent booster 2 months after their final primary series dose. Children ages 6 months through 4 years who are currently completing a Pfizer primary series will receive a Pfizer bivalent vaccine as their third primary dose.

Read CDC media statement.

October 2022

October 19: The CDC follows the FDA's authorization to allow for Novavax monovalent COVID-19 boosters for adults. This action gives people ages 18 years and older the option to receive a Novavax monovalent booster instead of an updated (bivalent) Pfizer or Moderna booster if they have completed primary series vaccination but have not previously received a COVID-19 booster—and if they cannot or will not receive mRNA vaccines.

Read CDC media statement

October 12: The CDC expands the updated COVID-19 vaccines to include children ages 5 through 11. The bivalent Pfizer vaccine is now approved for children ages 5 through 11 years, and from Moderna for children and adolescents ages 6 through 17 years.

Read CDC media statement

September 2022

September 2: The CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices’ (ACIP) recommends the use of updated COVID-19 boosters from Pfizer-BioNTech for people ages 12 years and older and from Moderna for people ages 18 years and older.

Read CDC media statement

August 2022

August 22: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the use of the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine as another primary series option for adolescents ages 12 through 17. This recommendation follows FDA’s authorization to authorize the vaccine for this age group under emergency use.

Read CDC media statement

July 2022

July 19: The CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices’ (ACIP) recommended the Novavax’s COVID-19 vaccine be used as another primary series option for adults ages 18 years and older.

Novavax’s COVID-19 vaccine, which will be available, is an important tool in the pandemic and provides a more familiar type of COVID-19 vaccine technology for adults. Having multiple types of vaccines offers more options and flexibility for the public, jurisdictions, and vaccine providers.

Read CDC media statement

June 2022

June 18: The CDC recommends that all children 6 months through 5 years of age should receive a COVID-19 vaccine. This expands eligibility for vaccination to nearly 20 million additional children and means that all Americans ages 6 months and older are now eligible for vaccination.

Parents and caregivers can now get their children 6 months through 5 years of age vaccinated with the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccines to better protect them from COVID-19. All children, including children who have already had COVID-19, should get vaccinated. Safety and other common concerns are addressed by CDC in article 6 Things to Know about COVID-19 Vaccination for Children.

May 2022

May 19: CDC now recommends that children ages 5 through 11 years should receive a booster shot 5 months after their initial Pfizer-BioNTech vaccination series.

Read CDC media statement

March 2022

March 30: Metro Health will be following the CDC’s recommendations to allow certain immunocompromised individuals and people age 50 and older who received an initial Pfizer or Moderna booster dose at least 4 months ago to be eligible for another booster to increase their protection against severe disease from COVID-19.

In addition, adults who received a primary vaccine and booster dose of the J&J vaccine at least 4 months ago may now receive an additional booster dose using the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine.

Read CDC media statement

January 2022

January 7: The CDC recommends the Moderna booster at 5 months, shortening the interval from 6 months to 5 months. This means that people who initially received an mRNA vaccine series – two doses of Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech – can now receive an mRNA booster shot 5 months after completing their initial series.

Read CDC media statement

January 4: The CDC recommends shortening the interval for the Pfizer booster vaccine from 6 months to 5 months for people who received the vaccine. This means that people can now receive the Pfizer booster shot 5 months after completing their Pfizer primary series. The booster interval recommendation for people who received the J&J vaccine (2 months) or the Moderna vaccine (6 months), has not changed.

Additionally, CDC is recommending that moderately or severely immunocompromised 5–11-year-olds receive an additional primary dose of vaccine 28 days after their second shot. At this time, only the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine is authorized and recommended for children aged 5-11.

Read CDC media statement

December 2021

December 16: The CDC recommends individuals receive an mRNA (Pfizer or Moderna) COVID-19 vaccine over Johnson & Johnson’s COVID-19 vaccine. For those that are allergic to the mRNA or prefer the J&J, the vaccine will be available at Metro Health pop-up clinics. Read the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) updated COVID-19 vaccine recommendations.

December 13: On November 24, 2021, the World Health Organization reported the first detected cases of the Omicron variant in South Africa and classified it as a variant of concern. On December 13, Metro Health reported two cases of the COVID-19 Omicron variant have been detected in Bexar County through genome testing conducted by UT Health San Antonio.

San Antonio Metro Health and local agencies are monitoring this situation closely and conducting ongoing genomic surveillance in Bexar County. Find more information about the Omicron variant.

November 2021

November 19: The CDC expanded recommendations for booster shots to include all adults ages 18 years and older who received a Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccine at least six months after their second dose. For more information, visit the CDC website.

October 2021

On October 21, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommended the use of booster shots for recipients of Moderna and J&J’s COVID-19 vaccines.

People in the following groups are eligible to receive a Pfizer or Moderna booster shot at least 6 months after completion of their primary series:

Additionally, booster shots are recommended for everyone 18 and older at least 2 months after receiving their J&J/Janssen COVID-19 vaccine. Today’s recommendations mean everyone in these groups, regardless of what vaccine they initially received, are eligible to get a COVID-19 booster shot.

Data show that administration of a booster shot may result in increases in antibody levels and may result in increased effectiveness compared to primary vaccination. For example, people who were not fully vaccinated were over 10 times more likely to be hospitalized and 11 times more likely to die compared with fully vaccinated people.

September 2021

Starting September 29, CDC recommends that the following groups should receive a booster shot of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months after completing their Pfizer-BioNTech primary series (i.e., the first 2 doses of a COVID-19 vaccine):

  • people aged 65 years and older
  • residents aged 18 years and older in long-term care settings
  • people aged 50–64 years with underlying medical conditions

CDC also recommends that the following groups may receive a booster shot of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months after completing their Pfizer-BioNTech primary series, based on their individual benefits and risks:

  • people aged 18–49 years with underlying medical conditions
  • people aged 18–64 years at increased risk for COVID-19 exposure and transmission because of occupational or institutional setting

The FDA and CDC will continue to evaluate new data and may recommend booster shots for other populations and vaccine recipients soon. Please see Booster Vaccination FAQ for more information on eligibility.

August 2021

As of Friday, August 13, 2021, people who are moderately to severely immunocompromised are eligible for a third dose of an mRNA vaccine. This includes people who have:

  • been receiving active cancer treatment for tumors or cancers of the blood
  • received an organ transplant and are taking medicine to suppress the immune system
  • received a stem cell transplant within the last 2 years or are taking medicine to suppress the immune system
  • moderate or severe primary immunodeficiency (such as DiGeorge syndrome, Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome)
  • advanced or untreated HIV infection
  • active treatment with high-dose corticosteroids or other drugs that may suppress your immune response

The treating healthcare provider for the above conditions is best situated to determine eligibility and optimal timing in relation to other therapies, and to provide the third dose. Read the CDC's recommendations about the third dose.

May 2021

As of Wednesday, May 12, 2021, everyone age 12 and older is now eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine in Texas. The state’s Expert Vaccine Allocation Panel recommended opening vaccination to everyone who falls under the current Food and Drug Administration emergency use authorizations. All vaccines are authorized for people age 18 and older. The Pfizer vaccine is authorized for people 12 and older.

All COVID-19 vaccines are available at no cost, and no proof of citizenship is needed.

DSHS has directed vaccine providers to prioritize people 80 years old or older when scheduling appointments and accommodate anyone in that age group who presents for vaccination, whether or not they have an appointment, by immediately moving them to the front of the line. That will ensure vaccination of anyone 80 or older with as small a burden on themselves as possible.

COVID-19 vaccines teach our immune systems how to recognize and fight the virus that causes COVID-19. It typically takes two weeks after vaccination for the body to build protection (immunity) against the virus that causes COVID-19. That means it is possible a person could still get COVID-19 before or just after vaccination and then get sick because the vaccine did not have enough time to provide protection.

People are considered fully protected two weeks after their second dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine.

Vaccine Candidates

Authorized and Recommended Vaccines

Fact Sheets

Novavax

COVID-19 Vaccine: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why should I get the vaccine?

  • 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.

 

If I can still catch COVID-19 after being vaccinated, then why get vaccinated?

Would you not wear a seat belt because you could still die in a car crash while wearing one? Would you not use condoms because they’re not 100% effective? People who are vaccinated are less likely to be hospitalized, especially if up to date with their vaccines, and they are less likely to transmit the virus to others. There’s one other reason: Variants will continue to evolve (sorry). Having almost everyone vaccinated against COVID-19, here and abroad, is the best weapon against variants. Variants can occur only when the virus is free to spread and mutate.

Who can get the vaccine?

Who is eligible?
All adults and children 6 months and older are eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine.
Can I get the vaccine if I am pregnant?
Yes. Pregnant and recently pregnant people with COVID-19 are at increased risk of severe illness, death, and pregnancy complications. The CDC issued Health Advisory for Pregnant People to increase COVID-19 vaccination among people who are pregnant, recently pregnant (including those who are lactating), who are trying to become pregnant now, or who might become pregnant in the future to prevent serious illness, deaths, and adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Do I need to wait to get the COVID-19 vaccine if I have recently received a different vaccine, such as the flu shot?
No, you do not need to wait to get the vaccine. Updated guidance states vaccines can/should be co-administered. Read the CDC's Coadministration of COVID-19 vaccines with other vaccines for more information.
What should I consider if I am having a medical procedure?
Discuss with your doctor if you should delay a vaccination or a medical procedure due to a recent COVID-19 vaccination. For example, if you are getting a mammogram, the vaccine could cause swelling in the lymph nodes as part of the normal immune response, resulting in a false reading. Some experts recommend getting your mammogram before being vaccinated or waiting four to six weeks after getting your 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 vaccine?
  • Anyone with a previous severe or immediate allergic reaction should consult with their doctor first.
  • Those younger than 6 months of age.
  • 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.

Vaccine information for children

Can children receive the COVID-19 vaccine?
The COVID-19 vaccine is approved for individuals who are 6 months of age or older. No vaccines are approved for anyone under 6 months 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 6 months – 17 years old to receive the COVID-19 vaccination.
What supporting paperwork will be needed to get my child the COVID-19 vaccine?
Children ages 6 months and up are eligible to receive the 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.

Where can we go to get a vaccine?

People can get vaccinated at doctor’s offices, pharmacies, hospitals and other “usual” sites.

Search for a vaccine pop-up clinic near you.

Other Vaccine Providers

Locations may be subject to change.

Additional providers within San Antonio can be located via the DSHS Vaccination page.

How much does the vaccine cost?

There is no charge for the vaccine or administration at Metro Health Pop-up clinics. The vaccines currently allocated to Metro Health through the Bridge Access Program can only be administered to individuals who are uninsured or underinsured. Individuals with insurance can get the vaccines with the healthcare provider or pharmacy covered through their plan.

Vaccine Safety

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.

Myths about the Vaccine

Will the government be tracking me?
No. Individuals can decide to sign up with the State’s immunization registry so individuals can have a record of receiving their COVID vaccine.
Is the vaccine made from fetuses?
No. The 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.
Is there enough vaccine for everyone?
Yes. There is enough vaccine available for everyone.
Does the COVID-19 vaccine cause infertility?
The vaccine is safe and effective. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), and Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM) recommend the COVID-19 vaccine for people who are pregnant, lactating, or planning to get pregnant.See Coronavirus (COVID-19), Pregnancy, and Breastfeeding: A Message for Patients for more information.

COVID-19 Post Vaccine FAQs

Side Effects

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.
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.

Post Vaccine Concerns

How long does the protection from the vaccine last?
We do not yet know how long protection lasts after vaccination. People ages 65 years and older have the option to receive 1 additional bivalent mRNA vaccine dose at least 4 months after the first bivalent dose.
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: 512.776.7790512.776.7288. You can access this information by visiting https://www.dshs.state.tx.us/immunize
Will I need an annual shot?
This is currently unknown. Research does show that administration of additional dose(s) at least 2 months after the initial series may result in increases in antibody levels and may result in increased effectiveness compared to primary vaccination.
What happens if I am exposed to someone with COVID19 after I have received both doses of the vaccine?
You should still get tested if you’ve had close contact with someone who has COVID-19 or if you have symptoms of COVID-19.
  • If you’ve had close contact with someone who has COVID-19, you should get tested 5-7 days after your exposure, even if you don’t have symptoms. You should also wear a mask indoors in public for 14 days following exposure or until your test result is negative.
  • If you have symptoms of COVID-19, you should get tested and stay home and away from others.
  • If your test result is positive, isolate at home for 10 days.

How do I replace my lost COVID-19 vaccine card?

  • If Metro Health was your vaccine provider (including at the Alamodome), call the Metro Health Immunizations Clinic at 210.207.8894 to make an appointment to request your immunization record.
    • You will pick up your record in person:
      210 N. Mel Waiters Way
      San Antonio, TX 78202
    • There will be a $5 administrative fee.
  • If you’re unable to get a copy from your provider, you can request your vaccine information from the Texas Department of State Health Services:

Find more information about requesting an immunization record.