State of Texas, City of Arlington Ready for Initial Coronavirus Vaccine Distribution
By Office of Communication
Posted on December 14, 2020, December 14, 2020

Editor's Note: This article was originally published Dec. 4, 2020 and updated Dec. 14, 2020 to include additional vaccine storage information from the Arlington Fire Department. 

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott announced Wednesday the state expects to receive 1.4 million coronavirus vaccines this month, with the first shipment arriving Dec. 14. (Please note, initially COVID-19 vaccines might be used under an Emergency Use Authorization from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.) The vaccines will be distributed to qualified providers, who will administer the immunizations based on pre-determined guidelines.

The guidelines were developed by a panel of experts across the state and approved by Texas Commissioner of Health Dr. John Hellerstedt. Under the guidelines, the first doses of coronavirus vaccines will be given to “health care workers likely to provide direct care for COVID-19 patients and other vulnerable residents. This includes staff at hospitals and long-term care facilities, emergency medical services and home health care workers.” The panel will make future recommendations as to which groups will be vaccinated next.

The City of Arlington is preparing to distribute the vaccine once it is available, according to state guidelines. Arlington Fire Chief Don Crowson is leading the distribution plan and updated City Council members during the Dec. 1, 2020 meeting.

The Arlington Fire Department has a sub-zero freezer, regular freezer, and standard refrigeration units fully operational and ready to store COVID-19 vaccines of any type. The City will comply with all state directives and work in conjunction with Tarrant County Public Health to serve the needs of Arlington citizens.

“Once the opening occurs, we want to be ready to move,” Crowson said. The City also has a long-range vaccination plan in place. According to the Centers for Disease Control, vaccine supplies “will increase over time," and most adults should be able to get vaccinated later in 2021. The CDC also notes a COVID-19 vaccine may not be available for young children until more studies are completed.

Crowson emphasized the City will continue its testing strategy and mitigation efforts until vaccines become widely available.

Click here to learn more about emerging COVID-19 vaccines and the distribution process.

The Arlington Fire Department has a sub-zero freezer, regular freezer, and standard refrigeration units fully operational and ready to store COVID-19 vaccines of any type. The Department is registered with the State of Texas to store vaccines and is registered as a “Vaccinator” organization. We will comply with all state directives and work in conjunction with Tarrant County Public Health to serve the needs of Arlington citizens. We are ready to do our part for our community.

Coronavirus, Public Health
News, Community, Government, Fire