The number of Texans receiving the COVID-19 vaccine is increasing by the thousands every single day, but that comes with frustrations and long wait times for some.
The number of Texans receiving the COVID-19 vaccine is increasing by the thousands every single day, but that comes with frustrations and long wait times for some.
Tarrant County is processing approximately 160 people every single hour at a clinic it is running near the Interstate 35W interchange with Interstate 20.
NBC5 heard from viewers who waited up to four hours in line on Monday for their vaccine and others, who despite having an appointment, were given a "rain check" and asked to return the following day.
Those waiting in Tarrant County are expected to register through the county website and receive an appointment time, but Tarrant County Judge Glen Whitley said some people were just showing up to get a vaccine without an appointment and that led to longer lines and confusion.
Whitley said the county is working on making the process smoother for everyone and currently reviewing other possible clinic sites.
"People found out that we were giving vaccinations to those in 1B and it was opened up and they just made a mad rush to wherever they could find it being given," said Whitley.
Tarrant County Public Health spokesperson Brian Murnahan said anyone unable to stand for long periods of time can notify staff at the front of the line and arrangements would be made.
As of Monday, more than 100,000 people have signed up to be vaccinated through Tarrant County.
Whitley expected 1,600 people to be vaccinated Monday and another 1,500 vaccinated on Tuesday with more shipments of vaccine on the way.
While Tarrant County has been able to vaccinate more people than surrounding counties, not all public health departments have the same capability.
A spokesperson for Dallas County said they still only have enough vaccines to prioritize first responders, but are expecting a shipment of vaccines from the state this week. As of Monday morning about 37,000 people have pre-registered through Dallas County's website to receive the vaccine once it becomes available.
Denton County Public Health vaccinated around 450 people during a drive-thru clinic Monday morning, but registration is now closed as they are out of vaccines.
County health departments stress only people who fall under the official category of either Phase 1A or Phase 1B, according to criteria set out by the State of Texas, are eligible to receive the vaccine.
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People who fall under the category of Phase 1A include medical professionals and people who either live in or work for long-term care facilities.
People who fall under the category of Phase 1B include anyone who is at least 65 years old or anyone who is at least 16 years old and lives with any one of several chronic health conditions that makes them more susceptible to COVID-19.
Also as of Monday, some of the first health care workers who received the initial dose of the COVID-19 vaccine are receiving their second and final dose.
Starting at 7 a.m. on Monday, medical professionals at Methodist Dallas were scheduled to receive the second dose of the vaccine, exactly three weeks after they received the first dose.
*Map locations are approximate, central locations for the city and are not meant to indicate where actual infected people live.
