AUSTIN (WBAP/KLIF) – The Texas Restaurant Association and its partners are launching a multi-city initiative to vaccinate tens of thousands of hospitality workers across the state.
“There is an urgency to vaccinate our restaurant workers who are serving guests every day in the dining rooms of Texas,” said Dr. Emily Williams Knight, President and CEO of TRA. “In addition to the resolute precautions taken by restaurants, a vaccine against COVID-19 will provide one more level of protection for our employees. We are thankful for the tremendous support shown by like-minded organizations, sports teams, hospitals, and other partners who are committed to helping our industry’s best asset – its people.”
According to the TRA, vaccine supply is limited so appointments will be available on a first-come, first-served basis, and walk-ins will not be accommodated. Individuals must present photo identification that matches the name and date of birth on the appointment confirmation.
Several groups are lending their support to spread the word of the vaccine drive for hospitality workers, including the Texas Food & Wine Alliance, Good Work Austin, and the Southern Smoke Foundation.
“We’re so grateful for the incredible support we all receive from our statewide hospitality community and are thrilled to partner with TRA and Good Work Austin to ensure our hospitality workers in Austin, Dallas, Houston and San Antonio have this opportunity to receive vaccinations as soon as possible,” said Mariam Parker, Executive Director of the Texas Food and Wine Alliance.
The vaccine drive will kick off in Houston on Monday, April 19 and Tuesday, April 20 for a clinic at the Smart Financial Centre. The clinic will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Memorial Hermann Health System will serve as the vaccine administrator with support given by Fertitta Entertainment and the Houston Rockets. Memorial Hermann will administer approximately 12,000 doses of the Pfizer vaccine to individuals ages 16 and older.
The next hospitality vaccine clinic will take place in San Antonio on April 27 and 28 at the Wonderland of the Americas shopping center. University Health System will administer 6,000 doses (3,000 per day) of the Pfizer vaccine. The clinic will be open from 8:00 a.m. to 7:45 p.m.
Dates and location for Austin and Dallas clinics are expected to be announced later this month.
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