COVID-19 Vaccines and Getting Tested | Resource for Non-Citizens in Texas During the Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic is an ongoing public health crisis. Current information about remaining healthy during the pandemic is available in English and Spanish on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.

Getting Vaccinated for COVID-19

According to the CDC Texas Health and Human Services (Texas HHS), the COVID-19 vaccine is safe, effective, and a crucial part of Texas’ plan for recovering from the pandemic. Currently, the Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson vaccines are available to those aged 16 and older. The Pfizer vaccine is available for 12- to 15-year-olds.  The HHS website at https://dshs.texas.gov/ has up to date information on vaccines.

All the vaccines are free. You can get the vaccine regardless of your immigration status. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has stated it will not carry out enforcement operations at or near health care facilities, such as vaccine providers.

You can get the vaccine from:

  • A vaccine hub in your area. Each hub is different, so look up the number for a local hub at https://www.dshs.state.tx.us/coronavirus/immunize/vaccine-hubs.aspx. Some hubs request photo identification such as a passport from any country or a school ID.

  • Pharmacies. Go to the pharmacy website or call to schedule an appointment. The Texas Vaccine Scheduler at GetTheVaccine.dshs.texas.gov helps you get scheduled for a COVID-19 vaccine at clinics hosted by participating Texas public health entities. You will be notified by email or text about when and where to get the vaccine. Call (833) 832-7067 if you need help signing up.

Watch out for COVID-19 vaccine scams!

Red flags include unsolicited calls or emails from someone asking for your personal information so that you can receive the vaccine. Reported suspected scams to the National Center for Disaster Fraud (866-720-5721) or the Texas Attorney General’s Office of Consumer Protection (800-621-0508.)

Getting Tested for COVID-19

COVID-19 testing is a vital part of the fight against the virus. There are many ways to get a COVID-19 test.

Free vaccines are available at:

  • A Texas state-supported collection site. You do not need symptoms to test, but you may need to register in advance.

  • A community health center: https://findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov/

  • Pharmacies such as CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, and local pharmacies.

  • A COVID-19 and Antibody Test Collection Site. You may need a physician referral for some of these sites, and you may need to pay a fee.

  • From your healthcare provider. Information about these sites is available at: https://www.dshs.state.tx.us/coronavirus/testing.aspx

You can be tested for the vaccine for free regardless of your immigration status. ICE has stated it will not carry out enforcement operations at or near COVID testing sites.

Seeking Medical Treatment

The CDC website has information in English and Spanish about symptoms of COVID-19 and when you should seek medical treatment:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html#seek-medical-attention

The federal government has set aside money to reimburse healthcare providers of all kinds for COVID-19 treatment given to people without insurance, including undocumented people. Ask your healthcare provider to seek Provider Relief Fund reimbursement for your treatment. If the government reimburses your provider, you will not owe them anything.

If you do not have insurance and want to consult with a doctor about non-life-threatening COVID-19 symptoms, you may be able to get free or low-cost medical care at a health center near you. Visit  https://findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov/ to find a health care center.

If you have a medical emergency, go to your nearest emergency room. Federal law states that a hospital cannot turn away patients with an emergency medical condition regardless of the patient’s ability to pay, immigration status, or insured status. An emergency medical condition includes severe pain.

USCIS has said that it will not penalize anyone for accessing COVID-19 related testing, treatment, vaccines, or preventative care.

USCIS states that it encourages everyone to seek necessary medical treatment or preventive services during the pandemic. Your use of public assistance or publicly funded health services to treat or prevent COVID-19 will not count against you.

Accessing Immigration Services During the Pandemic

USCIS continues to operate during the pandemic and will accept new applications. However, processing times for many types of applications have slowed. USCIS field offices have resumed non-emergency face-to-face services to the public. However, access is restricted to people with appointments, and social distancing measures are in place. Additional information about accessing USCIS field offices is available at: https://www.uscis.gov/about-us/uscis-response-to-covid-19.

If you have a case pending in immigration court, monitor the status of the case by checking the EOIR website and calling 1-800-898-7180.

Non-detained hearings in many courts have restarted. Plan to attend a hearing wearing a face covering. If you have symptoms of COVID-19 or believe you may be ill, call the immigration court to reschedule your hearing. Many ICE offices are closed, and, in many cases, in-person check-ins have been suspended. If you are scheduled for a check-in, contact your local ICE office for further instructions. If you missed an ICE check-in, you should contact ICE as soon as possible by contacting your local office or calling 1-888-351-4024.