SAN MARCOS  – The Hays County Health Department opened its Immunization Clinic on Jan. 16 and will offer vaccinations to eligible individuals under the Texas Vaccines for Children (TVFC) and Adult Safety Net (ASN) programs.

“This will be our first-time offering vaccinations through the department in more than 10 years,” said Hays County Health Department Manager Matthew Gonzales. “With flu season upon us and back-to-school season right around the corner, now is the perfect time to come in and get vaccinated.”

TVFC is a program providing no-cost vaccines to eligible children who might not otherwise have access to the necessary immunizations. To be eligible for the TVFC, individuals must be 18 years old or younger and meet one of the following criteria: be enrolled in Medicaid, be uninsured, be American Indian or Alaska Native or have health insurance that does not cover vaccines.

ASN extends this service to eligible adults that are 19 years old or older and are either uninsured or underinsured.

Appointments are preferred, but walk-ins are accepted. To schedule an appointment, call the office at 512-393-5520. The clinic is located at 101 Thermon Drive, San Marcos.

The Hays County Health Department also appointed a new Local Health Authority. Dr. Charles Turner Jr.’s appointment was approved by the Hays County Commissioners Court on Dec. 21, 2023. Turner graduated from the University of Texas at Austin in 1996 prior to attending medical school at Ross University School of Medicine.

“I am grateful to be appointed by the court to this position and to serve the employees and public,” said Turner. “I intend on working in conjunction with the current leadership at the Hays County Health Department to improve the department’s current services and response to public health emergencies.”

Health and Safety Code establishes and defines a Health Authority in Texas as a physician appointed to administer state and local laws relating to public health within an appointing body’s jurisdiction. Health Authorities are considered an officer of the state when performing duties to implement and enforce laws that protect the public’s health.

For more information on the Hays County Health Department, visit www.hayscountytx.com/departments/local-healthdepartment.