COVID-19 INFORMATION
COVID-19 vaccines are safe. The U.S. vaccine safety system ensures that all vaccines are safe. All approved COVID-19 vaccines go through testing and clinical trials before they are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for distribution.
The vaccine cannot give you COVID-19. The vaccine does not include the live virus that causes COVID-19. Sometimes the vaccine can cause mild symptoms such as pain where you get the shot, fever, chills, headaches, or fatigue. These symptoms are normal and are a sign that your body is building immunity.
Everyone needs the vaccine – even if you’ve had COVID-19.
LOCAL RESPONSE INFORMATION
Austin Public Health is our local public health authority and is leading efforts to research, gather, and disseminate information to the community. For the latest news and information, please visit the APH website.
Austin-Travis County's COVID-19 Community Level is currently medium.
STOP THE SURGE
COVID-19 is surging again in Travis County. Our community risk level has moved from low to medium. Protect yourself and your family from COVID-19 by making sure you are up to date on your vaccinations – it’s your best protection from severe illness, hospitalization or dying.
Everyone ages five (5) years and older should get one (1) booster after completing their COVID-19 vaccine primary series. A second booster is recommended for adults ages 50 years and older and for people ages 12 years and older who are at high risk. You can find a vaccine location near you at Vaccines.gov.
If you are high risk, wear a mask indoors when gathering with others.
If you are around someone who is sick or think you only have allergies, wear a mask.
Finally, if you have a sore throat, cough or fever, it could be COVID. Get tested. Check here for locations: https://www.austintexas.gov/covid-testinfo.
For free tests mailed to your home visit https://www.covid.gov/tests/.
Community Levels
The new risk-based guidelines set out three Community Levels of risk, from the lowest threat, low, through the most serious, high, along with recommended behaviors for each level.
Regardless of vaccination status or level, individuals need to continue to follow the additional requirements of local businesses, venues and schools.
Recommendations for people who are up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines:
- Low: Masking optional when gathering, dining and shopping.
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Medium: Masking optional when gathering, dining and shopping. Mask when social distancing is not possible.
- High: Indoor masking regardless of vaccination/risk status when gathering, dining and shopping.
Recommendations for people who are at risk:
- Get up to date with your vaccines as soon as possible.
- Low: Masking optional when gathering, dining and shopping.
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Medium: Indoor masking when gathering, dining and shopping.
- High: Indoor masking regardless of vaccination/risk status when gathering, dining and shopping.
At all levels wearing a well-fitting mask, and practicing social distancing are supported by APH as additional layers of protection to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Even at low levels, people can wear a mask based on personal preference, informed by their level of risk. People with symptoms, a positive test, or exposure to someone with COVID-19 should wear a mask.
VACCINATION FOR COMMUNITYCARE PATIENTS
COVID-19 Vaccine Update-Walk-In Vaccine Clinics are no Longer Open
Effective 11/12 our walk-in COVID vaccine sites are no longer open. CommUnityCare patients can get a COVID vaccine or booster at their home clinic by calling our patient navigation center at 512-978-9015 or Carousel patients please call 512-744-6000 to schedule an appointment.
COVID-19 Vaccine Update-Children’s Vaccines Now Available
We are now offering vaccines for established CommUnityCare patients ages 5-11. If you are a parent interested in getting your child vaccinated, call us at 512-978-9015 to make an appointment.
COVID-19 Vaccine Update-Boosters Now Available
We are now administering COVID-19 booster shots to eligible patients who completed their primary Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, or Johnson & Johnson vaccine series. (We do not have J&J second dose boosters).
The CDC’s new recommendations allow for mix and match dosing for booster shots. While booster vaccines are available at all CommUnityCare locations, the type may vary depending on location. CommUnityCare is reaching out to patients via phone, text, and MyChart to encourage them to make an appointment for a booster if they meet the criteria.
CommUnityCare and Carousel patients can receive their booster and children’s vaccines at their home clinic.
More information and appointments are available by calling our Patient Navigation Center at 512-978-9015.
TESTING
- Due to high demand, COVID-19 testing is available to current patients by appointment only. Please log into your MyChart portal to make a testing appointment or call our Patient Navigation Center at (512) 978-9015. Some health center locations may have at-home test kits in limited supply.
- Additionally, there are many free COVID-19 testing resources throughout Central Texas, including local pharmacies such as Walgreens, CVS, and other private entities. CLICK for information about free testing from Austin Public Health.
- CommUnityCare patients may request a COVID-19 test from their CommUnityCare provider.
- Please remember to wear a mask when coming to any of our CommUnityCare Health Centers.
Helping Our Most Vulnerable Communities
Central Health and CommUnityCare are committed to making the vaccine available to as many people as possible – specifically to people most impacted most by COVID-19.
We are working to distribute the vaccine equitably and are following strict CDC/DSHS protocols to ensure those who are most vulnerable receive the vaccine as quickly as possible.
Central Health and CommUnityCare will continue to coordinate with other safety net providers to focus on areas (ZIP codes) with people most disproportionately affected by COVID-19 and other serious disease, and death.
This includes people of color, people with low income, people living in areas with the highest rates of COVID-19, and people without transportation.
VACCINATION FACTS
COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective – and available near you.
- No appointment
- No cost.
- No I.D.
COVID-19 vaccines are safe.
The U.S. vaccine safety system ensures all approved COVID-19 vaccines go through testing and clinical trials before they are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for distribution.
The vaccine cannot give you COVID-19.
The vaccine does not include the live virus that causes COVID-19. Sometimes the vaccine can cause mild, short-term symptoms like pain where you get the shot, fever, chills, headaches or make you feel tired. These symptoms are normal and are a sign that your body is building immunity.
Everyone needs the vaccine – even if you’ve had COVID-19.
The best way to stop the pandemic is to take every precaution including getting a vaccine, wearing a mask, washing your hands often, and keeping at least six feet apart from others. When it’s your turn, get the vaccine.
How does the vaccine work?
A vaccine prepares your immune system so your body will be ready to fight the virus in case you are exposed. Depending on the vaccine you receive, a second dose is required in 2 – 3 weeks. You will receive a reminder to schedule a second vaccine the same way you received your confirmation about the first dose.
Even when you get the vaccine, keep wearing a mask.
Once you get the vaccine, keep wearing a mask, washing your hands, and watching your distance. The vaccine can keep you from getting sick, but you could still get infected with coronavirus. And if you’re infected, you can spread COVID-19 to others.
