Mobile vaccinations for Texas businesses, homebound offered

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- Texas state officials want to make it easier for residents to get vaccinated. The state has launched a new call center to allow businesses and civic organizations to schedule visits from state mobile vaccine teams to vaccinate employees, visitors or members.

Businesses and organizations qualify if they have at least 5 or more people who have voluntarily decided to get vaccinated. Previously, the teams required 10.

"Vaccines are the most effective tool in Texas' fight against Covid-19, and we are committed to making Covid-19 vaccines even more widely available to Texans across the state," said Governor Abbott in a press release. "The State Vaccine Call Center will help connect businesses and civic organizations with these life-saving shots and ensure that more Texans have an opportunity to get vaccinated."

The program was launched in early May. Sgt. Diana Byrd with the Texas National Guard said the local team has assisted about 10 businesses in El Paso so far.

"It's 100% free. There's no charge to the business. No charge to civilians. It's a free shot," Sgt. Byrd said. "It doesn't matter if it's a first, second dose, we can take care of it as long as the age is 12 and up."

Sgt. Byrd added the teams can help those who might otherwise be too busy to get the vaccine.

"One of our conveniences is you don't need an appointment," she said. "They're the civilians, they work seven to five, seven in the morning, five at night. They just can't get to there to those specific appointments."

Businesses and civic organizations in Texas can call 844-90-TEXAS and select Option 3 to book a visit.

Texans who are homebound can also schedule a visit at home from a mobile vaccine team. These individuals can call the same number and select Option 1.