KILLEEN, Texas — The City of Killeen will begin offering free COVID-19 testing and vaccines starting Aug. 19 and over the next two weeks.
Killeen Emergency Services is partnering with the Texas Division of Emergency Services and the Texas Military Department to open a dual testing and vaccine drive through over the next two weeks, the city announced.
"My thing has always been as mayor to try and get as many people vaccinated as possible," said Mayor of Killeen Jose Segarra.
The dual testing and vaccine events will be held at the Killeen Special Events Center, 3301 S. WS Young Drive, each Thursday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. until Aug. 28.
No appointments are needed, although a phone number and/or email is required. The Pfizer vaccine will be available for those wanting it.
The first dual testing and vaccine event will be Thursday, Aug. 19.
"We are doing the best job that we can. There is no room yet to pat ourselves on the back. This is for long term," said Killeen Fire Chief James Kubinski. "This is not something that is going to be done in a month or two."
Leaders with the city recently kicked off a campaign to encourage more residents to get vaccinated, and to push for vaccinated individuals to remain vigilant about the virus.
"We are going to have to learn to live with COVID like we learned to live with the flu," said Emergency Management Coordinator Peter Perez. "So when you get your vaccine, the hope is that you don't have to go to the hospital, but can take care of it at home with over-the-counter medication."
The city said there will be a series of public service announcements and fliers distributed to the community over the next several weeks and some have already been published to the local media, the city’s various social media platforms, the city’s government channel and partnering emergency services agencies like the Bell County Health District.
Residents are able to text their zip code to GETVAX (438829) for a list of nearby locations to receive a COVID-19 shot. Each person is also sent information about free childcare and getting a ride to a vaccination location. Residents may also call the connected hotline at 1-800-232-0233 for the same information.
Leaders said they want to highlight that the coronavirus is still present and those who are vaccinated are still encouraged to follow guidelines set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, including wearing a mask, washing hands and social distancing.
