Austin Public Health tests first drive-thru COVID-19 vaccine site

Austin Public Health hosted its first drive-thru COVID-19 vaccination site at the Toney Burger Center this weekend. Video courtesy: City of Austin

AUSTIN, Texas - Austin Public Health hosted its first drive-thru COVID-19 vaccination site at the Toney Burger Center Saturday.

APH said during the pilot, 1,500 people were scheduled for vaccinations, but the site has the capacity to expand and serve 3,000 people per day.

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APH said that they previously attempted drive-thru vaccinations in November at the Travis County Expo Center.

"Previously, all vaccine sites have been walk-in operations, as drive-thru sites are much more labor-intensive, requiring nearly three times as many staff and volunteers to operate," APH said in a release. "Because APH continues to receive the same amount of vaccine, site coordinators are reallocating vaccines from other locations."

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APH said that across all of its vaccination sites, it has the capacity to vaccinate up to 37,000 people every week. Since January, APH said it has been receiving an average of 12,000 Moderna first doses per week, followed by the second doses four weeks later.

For more information about COVID-19 in Austin-Travis County, click here.