SAN ANTONIO – The words “first come, first served” had people lining up at the Alamodome Friday morning for a shot at that, to be among the first to take advantage of appointment-free COVID-19 vaccines.
The City of San Antonio began offering the clinic, with no reservations needed, as a way to encourage more people to get their shots.
“It’s hard on some people that don’t have computers and stuff like that,” said Roberto Lerma. “I tried calling before, and I did over 400 calls and I could never get through.”
Lerma had been waiting for months for the chance to roll up his sleeve.
He and many other people there were glad they could simply get in line for a vaccine, rather than have to make an appointment online.
The shots are available to anyone who is at least 16 years old.
Dora Garcia showed up for her second shot, along with her 20-year-old son, Ruben Gonzales.
“I want to do it and I got him to do it, so we did it together. So we’re ready,” she said.
Garcia said rumors questioning the vaccines’ safety initially caused her to hesitate.
The city made them available appointment-free in an effort to reach those who also may be putting off getting vaccinated.
As of Thursday evening, more than 570,000 people in Bexar County were fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Nearly 840,000 had received at least one dose, according to health records.
“I think it’s great,” said Josette Taylor. “I think as soon as everyone gets vaccinated we can try to get back to our normal routines.”
Taylor arrived extra early to get her second dose of the vaccine.
Although she previously had made an appointment, she didn’t mind waiting along with those who didn’t.
Still, she was surprised to see such a large crowd.
“I wasn’t expecting all of this,” she said, laughing.
The city will be offering the vaccines at the Alamodome, with no appointments necessary, every Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. until 6:30 p.m.
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