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Many have been wondering what is going on with COVID-19 vaccine distribution and if it’s available in Atascosa County.

After last week’s winter storms, COVID-19 vaccine will again be distributed across the state in larger amounts. Texas providers have been allocated 591,920 first doses of COVID 19 vaccine from the federal government for the week of Feb. 22. The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) has instructed the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to ship those doses to 563 providers in 230 counties across Texas.

Locally, vaccine providers gave an update on availability as follows:

• H-E-B Pharmacy #411, 219 N. Oaklawn Rd, Pleasanton, 830-281-8190: There was no update to be released as of press time.

Kings Medicine, 809 Bryant St., Pleasanton, 830-569-0051: Kings Medicine has exhausted all 600 of their allocated doses to qualifying 1A and 1B recipients. They currently have a waiting list of 200-300 people as they await more vaccine and will contact those on their waiting list as they receive more supply.

• Atascosa Health Center, 310 W. Oaklawn, Pleasanton, 830-569- 2527: The Atascosa Health Center currently has a waiting list of 980 people and are continually receiving vaccine as it is available. This week, they will receive 300 doses to be distributed to those on their list who qualify under Groups 1A and 1B only. You may call them to join the list, but it is not guaranteed when you will receive the vaccine.

Atascosa County Judge Bob Hurley in coordination with Atascosa County EMS, the state and Congressman Henry Cuellar’s Office was able to allocate 500 doses of COVID-19 vaccine for those on a waiting list compiled by Judge Hurley’s office. These vaccines are already accounted for and Judge Hurley’s office will be contacting them in order as soon as a clinic date is confirmed.

“We have a waiting list of about 700-800 people and submitted a request for 1,000 doses. However, due to COVID funding, we were only able to acquire 500 at this time, and they are already accounted for,” said Judge Hurley. “My office will continue to push for more vaccine as it becomes available. We’re still working on putting together the large vaccine clinic at the Poteet Strawberry Festival Grounds, but we are waiting for more vaccine. My office is in constant communication with Congressman Henry Cuellar’s office and the state to get this done. Please be patient.”

Congressman Henry Cuellar visited with Atascosa Health Center frontline health care workers and employees on Feb. 10 to discuss direct vaccine distribution to Federally Qualified Community Health Centers. AHC is currently not receiving direct vaccine distribution from manufacturers, but will be in the coming months. Pictured, from left, are Gloria Day, Grants; Vincent Perez, IT; Josie Garcia, Finance Manager; Maria Tenorio, HR Specialist; Todd Espinoza, Facilities Manager; Congressman Cuellar; Monty Small, CEO; Melissa Perez, Administration Clerk; Maria Garcia, CFO; Christina Rodriguez, Director of Clinical Operations; Sheri Sill, IT Director; and Danielle McClelland, Marketing Specialist. REBECCA PESQUEDA | PLEASANTON EXPRESS