How to Get a COVID Appointment with H-E-B

Other Austin-Area Sites at the End

To get an appointment, it’s best if you’re flexible in the location. We had to drive to Kyle, Texas, about 45 minutes away from where we live. You’ll have more options if you can widen the search area. The trick is to keep refreshing the screen, and it may take some time. It’s extremely difficult to get two or more appointments together—if you’re trying to get multiple appointments, have two browser windows open or work with another person on another computer.

If you do not have insurance, they will ask you to provide a social security number, and H-E-B will be reimbursed by the government. If you have insurance, bring your card. If you are an undocumented immigrant, you are still eligible to receive the vaccine. (“DHS and its Federal government partners fully support equal access to the COVID-19 vaccines and vaccine distribution sites for undocumented immigrants.”)

Here we go!

1. First, visit the H-E-B COVID Vaccine web page.

2. On the web page, choose the phase eligibility that applies to you. Phase 1a is for medical workers. Phase 1b is for people with medical conditions and for people who are “obese.” This is based on BMI, but there are varying numbers. They don’t ask for proof or test your BMI…if you’re overweight, you’re at risk. Click the Check Availability button. This article describes some of the medical conditions that qualify.

3. On the next page you’ll look for a location. It is sorted by location. DO NOT ENTER YOUR ZIP CODE. Entering the ZIP Code will slow down your search.

4. Refresh your browser and look for locations that have a GREEN indicator that spots are available. If you see the following graphic (below) showing Only a few spots available in orange, DON’T BOTHER CLICKING. Once you click View times, there will not be any spots available. Keep refreshing.

5. When you see a listing with a NUMBER of spots available in GREEN (below), click the View times button.

6. ACT QUICKLY. Select the Vaccine Manufacturer—since Johnson & Johnson isn’t available yet, choose Moderna or Pfizer. The Moderna will require a second vaccine within 28 days; the Pfizer within 21 days. Then choose a date from the next pop-up, and time. Click the green Continue button.

7. If you are successful, you’ll get a green countdown indicator (below) and a form to enter your personal information. It will require your birthdate, phone number, and email address. You will have ten minutes to complete the form. While this countdown is displayed, this appointment is temporarily reserved for you, so act quickly!

8. The feedback if you didn’t get the appointment is not obvious (below). Watch for the red bar at the top that shows This timeslot is full. Choose another timeslot or try again later.

Once you get an appointment, you will most likely not be served at that exact time, so block off a couple hours. They will have a line for the clinic that doesn’t reflect appointment times, so take something to keep you busy.

You will receive an email from HEB with a form to fill out before your appointment; if you aren’t able to print it, they will have copies available there.

They will send you a reminder for your second appointment, so you shouldn’t have to go through this process twice. You’ll receive a card with information about your vaccine—keep this safe.

Afraid of Needles?

Yeah, me too. Some tips for managing stress. Take headphones—over ear are best—and get a music playlist you really like. Wear sunglasses. Take a friend. Download the Calm app for your smartphone and watch the waves rolling onto the beach or rain falling in the forest. If you don’t have access to anxiety medication, I’ve heard that taking a Benadryl before going can help—make sure you’ve got somebody else to drive you because Benadryl will make you drowsy. Consult with your doctor before taking any medication, though!

Does it Hurt?

IF YOU DON’T TENSE UP, most folks say the actual vaccine doesn’t hurt. Your arm will be a little sore at first, and will most likely be pretty sore. An ice pack will help, and over the counter medications like Advil/Tylenol can help manage the pain. Just remember that your life can start getting back to a little more normal life once you’re fully vaccinated. Keep wearing that mask, though!

ALTERNATIVE SITES

Austin Public Health: Austin Public Health COVID page.
They release blocks of appointments; watch their site.

Walgreens: Walgreens Scheduling Website

CVS: CVS Scheduling Website
As of March 3, all appointments fully booked in Austin)

Williamson County (through Family Hospital Systems): FHS Website
FHS is handling the administration of the vaccine through Williamson County. Apply for the waitlist through Williamson County’s website here.