GALVESTON COUNTY, Texas – In the fall of 2023, the Federal Government COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution Program ended.  The CDC’s Bridge Access Program was implemented to help maintain access to free COVID-19 vaccines for adults who were uninsured or had health insurance that did not fully cover the cost of the vaccine.  This program established a network of providers including pharmacies, Health Resources and Services Administration-funded health centers, and local health departments to expand access to COVID-19 vaccines to those with little or no insurance.  The program was initially scheduled to end in December 2024 but will be ending months earlier due to a shortage of funding.

The Federal Government has proposed the implementation of a Vaccines for Adults program to help provide all recommended vaccines at no cost for uninsured adults however, this proposal has not yet been enacted into law.   Until a replacement program can be implemented, access to free vaccines for adults without insurance will be extremely limited subject to alternative grants or funding sources.

The 2023/2024 COVID vaccines are still available through the summer with the new 2024-2025 formulations expected to be available in the fall.

CDC recommends COVID-19 vaccination for everyone ages 6 months and older for the prevention of COVID-19 and should receive the age-appropriate vaccine product and dosage at the recommended interval for their age group and immune system status. 

For those with insurance, your medical provider or pharmacy can continue to provide your vaccinations.  The Texas Vaccines for Children’s Program (TVFC) will continue to provide COVID-19 vaccines for eligible children up to 18 years of age and is available at 9850-B Emmett F. Lowry Expressway, Suite B-104, in Texas City from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and until 6:30 p.m. on Tuesdays. Walk-ins are welcome.