More than 100 vaccines, 1,000 tests issued during Sept. 2-4 event
KILLEEN, Texas (Sept. 8, 2021) – The City of Killeen will continue offering free COVID-19 vaccines and tests at a drive-thru COVID-19 site tomorrow, Sept. 9 through Saturday, Sept. 11.
The site will be at the Killeen Special Events Center from 9a.m. – 7p.m. During the weekend of Sept. 2 – 4, 139 vaccines were administered and 1,309 tests were given. 163 were positive cases.
No appointments are required for the vaccines or tests, but a phone number and/or email address is required. Only the Pfizer vaccine is available and booster shots are only available for those who are immunocompromised with a doctor’s note. Vaccines are for those who are at least 12 years old. 15-minute Rapid Tests are available to all ages with parental supervision and permission. Results will be texted to participants. Please know that vaccines and tests are available only while supplies last for each day.
Killeen Emergency Management Services partnered with the Texas Division of Emergency Services and the Texas Military Department beginning Aug. 19, soon after the Bell County Public Health District raised its COVID-19 threat level to the highest tier-- Level 1-- which is severe, uncontrolled community transmission.
According to the Bell County Health District, the Delta variant of the coronavirus now accounts for more than 95% of all COVID-19 cases in the country, and evidence suggests it is twice as contagious as the original COVID-19 virus. COVID-19 and Delta variant cases among children are on the rise and the county has multiple children in local hospitals suffering from complications of this virus. City leaders want to highlight that the coronavirus is still present and those who are vaccinated are encouraged to still follow guidelines set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, including wearing a mask, washing hands and social distancing.
As a reminder, residents are asked to text 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.