Gov. Greg Abbott recently announced that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has partially approved a request to extend operations for the federally supported community vaccination centers in Arlington, Dallas and Houston through May 18. FEMA’s extension includes federal personnel who will continue to assist in operating the sites. An extension of federal supplies and vaccine doses have not been granted and will be provided by the state.

“Thank you to FEMA for extending the use of federal personnel at these mass vaccination sites through the middle of May,” said Abbott. “Where the federal government falls short, Texas will step in by providing the supplies and vaccine doses needed to keep these successful sites operational. We will continue to work with our federal and local partners to ensure our communities have access to COVID-19 vaccines.”

Originally launched in February, these federal pilot sites are based at E Sports Stadium, Fair Park and NRG Stadium, and are part of a joint effort to support COVID-19 vaccination efforts in underserved areas. The sites are operated by federal personnel in partnership with the state through the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) and local officials.