ABILENE, Taylor County — The Abilene-Taylor County Public Health District announced Wednesday it is preparing a screening tool to help in scheduling people who are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
According to a press release from the district, the screening tool will be based on criteria in the Texas Department of State Health Services guidelines for distribution.
The district created a web link to help facilitate the process of screening people to participate, according to the release.
The link includes information for Taylor County residents and a form that can be filled out and submitted. Only one form can be submitted per person; multiple forms and calls will cause delays in scheduling.
The release also said people who do not currently qualify will be placed on a waiting list or contacted. The health district has received many requests, the release said, but can only respond to people who meet state guidelines.
Workers currently eligible for vaccinations include:
- Long-term care facility staff
- Taylor County EMS personnel
- Abilene Fire Department EMTs
- School nurses
- Health care workers in correctional and detention facilities within Taylor County
- Healthcare workers in hospitals, long term care facilities, home health, private physicians’ offices and urgent care clinics
- Public health; emergency response staff directly involved in COVID testing and vaccinations
- Last responders - mortuary and death services
Additional eligible populations include people who are 65 years of age or older;18 years of age or older; 16 years of age or older for Pfizer (currently Taylor County does not have this vaccine); and at least one chronic medical condition that puts them at increased risk.
The health district does not have a definitive timeline for when the next round of vaccines will be delivered, the release said. The health district will notify the public and eligible participants.
The district reminds residents to remain vigilant and follow safety precautions such as wearing a mask and practice social distancing.
For a list of chronic diseases and safety precautions, visit the City of Abilene's website.
