Austin Public Health is reporting an uptick in COVID-19 vaccinations. It’s a promising sign for health leaders as people return from their Thanksgiving celebrations and prepare for December holidays. Prior to Thanksgiving, Austin Public Health expressed concern about a potential rise in new cases tied to family gatherings, however the area has seen a minimal rise in cases since the holiday as compared to the days leading up to it.
“APH staff was able to scale up during high vaccine demand and their flexibility during this pandemic never ceases to amaze me,” said Austin Public Health Interim Director Adrienne Sturrup. “There is no better way to celebrate the holidays and those you love than to be fully vaccinated, and when eligible, get a booster shot.”
APH administered 5,157 COVID-19 vaccine doses last week. Not since May 15, 2021 have APH clinics have seen that many people come in for vaccines. Nearly 85-percent of the doses given in the past week were booster shots.
“Being vaccinated provides the best protection against severe complications and death from COVID-19 and its variants,” said Dr. Desmar Walkes, Austin-Travis County Health Authority. “Now is the time to get fully vaccinated, or get a booster if you are eligible, to reduce the spread and development of new variants.”
Austin-Travis County’s pediatric vaccination rate is double the statewide total. Almost 26 percent of eligible children between the ages of 5 and 11 have received at least one dose of the Pfizer vaccine. As more school districts will no longer offer a virtual learning option starting in January, more students should get the shot to protect themselves and their families.
However, within Central Texas, Williamson County actually has the highest rate of pediatric vaccine doses administered. Almost 27-percent of children between ages 5-11 in Williamson County have received at least one dose.
