DSHS no longer allocating COVID-19 vaccine doses to providers

The Texas Dept. of State Health Services announced Thursday it is no longer allocating COVID-19 vaccine doses to providers every week.

Instead, providers will get the chance to order how many vaccine doses they need, then have those orders filled and shipped from the DSHS Pharmacy or DSHS will place an order with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This is due to the supply of COVID-19 vaccines now “regularly exceeding demand,” according to the DSHS.

This means DSHS will no longer be releasing a weekly allocation list every week or a report on doses wasted by providers. The department is also encouraging providers to vaccinate anyone willing to get a shot, even if that means opening a new vial without knowing if all doses will be used.

The department said it is working with providers, organizations and employers to make getting a shot as convenient and easy as possible for Texans.

It was announced this week that COVID-19 testing procedures in Gillespie County will be changing due to decreased interest at recent testing events. Beginning this month, no testing events will be scheduled unless a large number of people request it. Anyone wanting a rapid fire test should call (830) 383-4965.

In an effort to get more people vaccinated, Target will be offering a $5 store coupon at participating locations for shoppers and staff who choose to get the shot from a Target Pharmacy.

As of May 5, 8.3 million people in Texas are fully vaccinated, according to the DSHS. Currently, there are 90,913 active COVID-19 cases, 2,588 COVID-19 hospitalizations and 49,417 confirmed coronavirus deaths in the state. Texas is averaging fewer than 2,000 new COVID-19 cases per day for the first time since June 15, 2020.