The City of Amarillo says eligibility to receive the COVID-19 vaccine has been extended to seniors and those with increased health risks in our community.

On Wednesday, it was announced that those 65 and older and those 18 and older who have an increased health risk associated with COVID-19 are now eligible to receive the vaccine. According to the Texas Department of State Health Services, conditions that qualify as posing an increased health risk include, but are not limited to: cancer; chronic kidney disease; COPD; heart conditions, such as heart failure, coronary artery disease or cardiomyopathies; solid organ transplantation; obesity and severe obesity; pregnancy; sickle cell disease; and type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Patients who are allergic to any component of the vaccine, or who have had any vaccine in the past 14 days or a monoclonal infusion the past 90 days are ineligible for the vaccine.

Vaccines are available at the Amarillo Civic Center on a walk-in basis. Citizens who are seeking vaccines are asked to enter through the Complex’s north entrance. Vaccines will be offered Thursday (Dec. 31) from 9am to 7pm. From January 4 through January 8, vaccination times will be from 9am to 5pm. On Saturday, January 9, vaccination times will be from 9am to 2pm.

The vaccine is offered free of charge.