Free COVID-19 Vaccines at Pop-Up Event in Killeen Walmart Today

If you're interested in being vaccinated against COVID-19, there's a free pop-up vaccination clinic happening today in Killeen.

When I say "pop-up", I mean it starts at 3PM today (Thursday, July 22) and will operate 'til 7PM, and we only received word about it at 2:20 PM.

So, it's a bit last-minute, but if you can make it to the Walmart at 1400 Lowes Boulevard in Killeen before 7PM tonight, you can walk in and receive a vaccination free of charged with no appointment needed.

The clinic will also feature free cold treats, family games, arcade-style basketball, and a wheel spin. Most importantly, there will also be information available on the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine.

Anyone 12 years of age or older is currently eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine. President Joe Biden recently said he hopes to see those 12 and under become eligible for vaccination soon, but that will depend on when researchers can agree on its effectiveness for these age groups.

Today's pop-up clinic is being conducted by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS). Again, no appointment is necessary, but you can text your ZIP code to GETVAX (438829) if you'd like to schedule an appointment.

I don't know which vaccine they'll be administering, but I will share my family's experiences with both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines.

-Back in spring, my mother in her 60s, who has extensive lung scarring after being in the ICU with pneumonia for two months back in 2015, received both doses of the Pfizer vaccine. She didn't experience any side effects.*

-I received the Moderna vaccine in April and May (it's a two-dose vaccine like Pfizer's). I didn't experience any side effects with the first shot, but I did experience a slight headache and fatigue after the second dose.*

*Your experience may differ, so don't be shy about asking questions before receiving the vaccine. If you receive a two-dose vaccine, the folks administering it will let you know when and where you'll need to get shot number 2.

With the new school year coming up and kids returning to class, it's worth looking into getting any youngsters 12 or older in your family vaccinated.

“This past year has been hard for everyone, our children included,” said Dr. Don Daniels, chief medical officer at Greater Killeen Community Clinic. “By getting the vaccine, our kids can get back to their normal routines in the safest way possible.”

COVID-19 numbers have been up in Central Texas recently, and the Delta variant has been confirmed in our state. We're all in this together, so consider getting vaccinated and continuing to do what you can to help slow the spread.