Austin Public Health

Thursday was the first day people who got an appointment through Austin Public Health's vaccine registration site could get the coronavirus vaccine. Hundreds showed up at once, and lines wrapped around the building.

Officials from Austin Public Health, Central Health and Ascension provided information about the vaccine’s safety, efficacy and distribution process.

APH acknowledged Wednesday that it had vaccinated people who simply showed up to one of the sites, despite guidance from the state to vaccinate only those in high-risk groups.

The director of Austin Public Health is asking for people to be patient as a new online system for people to see whether they currently qualify to receive the COVID-19 vaccine rolls out.

Pre-registration for the vaccine through the city's public health agency is now open. But it will mainly serve patients who have no other provider options.

The state is giving Austin Public Health the doses as part of a statewide program to create regional “vaccine hubs." APH says it aims to distribute the doses to vulnerable groups.

Austin Public Health officials warned Tuesday that area hospitals could exceed capacity as soon as next week.

The state's decision to rely on private providers for the vast majority of the vaccine distribution has caused confusion and frustration for some people trying to get the shot.

Hospital admissions related to COVID-19 exceeded 15% in the area for the first time Monday. If the pace continues, it could trigger a scaling back of some businesses and elective surgeries.

Dr. Mark Escott said the situation in Travis County had worsened and the area could run out of ICU beds in a week.