The City of Killeen will begin offering free testing and vaccines for the COVID-19 virus tomorrow, Aug. 19, 2021.
Killeen Emergency Services is partnering with the Texas Division of Emergency Services and the Texas Military Department to open a dual testing and vaccine drive-thru over the next, two weeks. This will be held at the Killeen Special Events Center (3301 S. WS Young Drive) each Thursday – Saturday from 9a.m. – 7p.m. through Aug. 28.
No appointments are needed, although a phone number and/or an email is required. Participants can choose to take the COVID-19 test or a receive the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine.
Leaders within the City of Killeen recently kicked off a renewed campaign to help encourage more residents to get vaccinated, and to push for vaccinated individuals to remain vigilant.
There will be a series of public service announcements and fliers distributed to the community over the next, several weeks and some have already been published to the local media, the City’s various social media platforms, the City’s Government Channel and partnering emergency services agencies like the Bell County Health District.
The PSAs and fliers focus on residents texting their zip code to GETVAX (438829), for a list of nearby locations to receive a COVID-19 vaccine shot. Each person is also sent information about free childcare and getting a ride to a vaccination location. Residents may also call the connected hotline at 1-800-232-0233 for the same information.
Leaders want to highlight that the coronavirus is still present and those who are vaccinated are still encouraged to follow guidelines set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, including wearing a mask, washing hands and social distancing.