Midwestern State University has been approved by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) to aid with vaccination efforts.

MSU joins other vaccine providers in Wichita County in starting a waitlist for persons who qualify for phase 1A and 1B of the vaccine, along with those who are eligible under the expanded qualifications that began on March 3. 

These expanded qualifications are to “those who work in pre-primary, primary, and secondary schools, as well as Head Start and Early Head Start programs (including teachers, staff, and bus drivers) and those who work as or for licensed child care providers, including center-based and family care providers” as the US. Department of Health and Human Services directed.

This announcement comes shortly after Texas Governor Greg Abbott issued an executive order to fully reopen the state and lift the mask mandate on March 10. 

It also comes as Wichita County approaches 15,000 cases and a need for more vaccines. People who have signed up to receive the vaccine are on as many as five waiting lists because of the low number of doses being distributed to the county. As of Thursday, March 4, Wichita County has distributed 19,011 first doses and 13,710-second doses of the COVID-19 vaccine.

MSU does not currently have vaccines ready for distribution. Once the university is notified of a shipment, those on the waiting list will be contacted, although there is no current estimated timeframe.

This situation is quickly evolving and updated information will be provided as it becomes available on the DSHS and Wichita Falls websites.