For questions about appointments from DCHHS through Luminare, please call the DCHHS COVID Hotline at 972-692-2780 or email CovidVaccine@DallasCounty.org.
Who is eligible for a vaccine?
Everyone ages 6 months and older is now eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine in Texas. We strongly encourage all eligible residents to make an appointment for the COVID-19 vaccine.
What are the Vaccination Requirements for Minors?
Children 6 months and older may be vaccinated with parents/legal guardians consent.
What documentation do I need to get the vaccine?
You will need to provide a photo ID, such as a driver’s license, passport, work ID, parish ID, library card, or other form of photo ID.
Do I need to be a U.S. citizen in order to receive the vaccine?
No. The vaccine is available to anyone who wants it. No questions about citizenship status will be asked.
How do I get my second dose?
If you received your first COVID-19 vaccine dose through Dallas County Health and Human Services (DCHHS), you are eligible for your second dose through DCHHS. We will send you an email and/or text message to schedule an appointment for your second dose. You may also go to another location to receive your additional doses. Additional locations can be found at vaccines.gov.
Where else can I receive a COVID-19 vaccine?
You can visit vaccines.gov to find many other locations across North Texas.
What is the status of the COVID-19 vaccines that are being developed?
Many vaccines have received either final FDA approval or Emergency Use Authorization.
How effective are the approved vaccines?
The vaccines continue to substantially reduce the risk of severe illness and hospitalization.
How will we know these COVID-19 vaccines are safe?
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has a known and proven process for the verification of vaccines, and while these COVID-19 vaccines have been made available quickly, no step in the safety and efficacy process was skipped. The FDA issued EUAs for the first COVID-19 vaccines, only after enough scientific data was shown to indicate the vaccines safety and efficacy in a clear and compelling manner.
The current vaccines, even those with EUAs, continue through a trial phase, where they are tracking their volunteers to learn more about the long-term outcomes of taking the vaccine.
Can the vaccine give you the virus?
None of the COVID-19 vaccines authorized for use in the United States contain the live virus that causes COVID-19, which means they cannot give someone COVID-19. You may experience symptoms after receiving the vaccine. This is a normal response and is a sign that the body is learning to recognize and is building protection against the virus that causes COVID-19.
It is possible for someone to be infected with COVID-19 prior to receiving the vaccine and thus they would be contagious and could still test positive on a COVID-19 diagnostic PCR, or rapid test. It is also possible a person could be infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 just after vaccination and still get sick. This is because it typically takes a few weeks for the body to build immunity (protection against the virus that causes COVID-19) after vaccination. An uninfected vaccine recipient however would not test positive on a PCR or rapid test but could test positive on an antibody-based test.
What companies are manufacturing the COVID-19 vaccine, and how are the vaccines different?
| Vaccine Manufacturer | Technology |
| Pfizer | m-RNA |
| Moderna Therapeutics | m-RNA |
| Johnson & Johnson | Viral Vector (non-replicating) |
Do I need a vaccine if I already had COVID-19?
Yes. The vaccine is recommended for people who previously have been infected with COVID-19. Vaccination of persons with current SARS-CoV-2 infection should be deferred until the person has recovered from acute illness and they can discontinue isolation. While there is no minimum interval between infection and vaccination, current evidence suggests reinfection is uncommon in the 90 days after initial infection. Persons with documented acute SARS-CoV-2 infection in the preceding 90 days may delay vaccination until near the end of this period, if desired.
Can I choose which vaccine I want to take?
Yes, you can select which vaccine you want. You can see which location have which vaccine by visiting vaccines.gov.
Once people start taking the COVID-19 vaccine, will we need to keep wearing masks and social distancing?
Individuals should still take precautions based on their personal risk. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html
Can my child get the COVID-19 vaccine?
Vaccines are approved for individuals 6 months or older.
Will the COVID-19 vaccines require special handling?
Each vaccine has different storage and preparation requirements. Public Health staff who handle vaccines are trained on storing, handling and preparing them safely to ensure the viability of every vaccine dose.
What will the COVID-19 vaccine cost?
The vaccine is free. Operation Warp Speed, a federal program, is paying all the costs associated with vaccinations.
Is getting a COVID-19 vaccine immunization mandatory?
COVID-19 vaccinations are voluntary, but we strongly recommend all eligible persons receive the vaccine.
How many doses of vaccine will I need?
Most vaccines require at least 3 doses to stay up to date. Visit our Health Guidance page - here - to see dose guidelines.
How long do I have to wait between doses?
Depending on the vaccine you receive, there may be a 21-28 days between the first and second dose and then a few months until you are eligible for booster doses. When you receive the first dose, it is important that you wait for the designated time and then get the second dose. The effectiveness of the vaccine is highest when the doses are spaced appropriately. Information will be provided to everyone who receives the COVID-19 vaccine to ensure they receive the correct second dose. To learn what you will need to do to stay up to date with all doses, please visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/stay-up-to-date.html.
Is there any proof we need to show if we’ve had a COVID-19 vaccine shot?
Those receiving COVID-19 vaccine will have the immunization noted on their official IMMTRAC vaccine record.
What if I lost my COVID-19 vaccination card or need a replacement?
You may obtain an IMMTRAC print out of your COVID vaccination at any of Dallas County Health and Human Services clinics. Monday thru Friday 8am - 4 pm. https://www.dallascounty.org/departments/dchhs/immunization-hours.php.
If you are not able to go in-person, you may request your record through the Department of State Health Services by fax or mail. Additional information about this process is available here: https://www.dshs.texas.gov/immunize/immunization-records.aspx.
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