The first of several walk-up COVID-19 vaccine clinics recently opened at La Palmera mall in Corpus Christi. As vaccines become more available and turnout for vaccinations drops, the city and county health department is modifying its means of delivery to fit new circumstances.
“You do not have to show an ID, the vaccines are free, no questions asked, just show up,” Mayor Pauline Guajardo said at a news briefing in City Hall on April 15. “We want to make sure you have access and extended time to do that in terms of hours.” 
Shots are now available without registration 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday in the space between P.F. Chang’s and Grimaldi’s Pizzeria.
Those who want an appointment can still register for a shot at the La Palmera clinic online at cctexas.com/vaccineregistration.
People unable to travel to a clinic because of health issues or lack of transportation can receive a vaccination through the Save our Seniors homebound program, which has been expanded by the city/county health department. 
To set up an appointment for a vaccination, call 888-728-0018. The shots are being administered by the Corpus Christi Fire Department. Those who live in Robstown or any unincorporated area of Nueces County should call 361-826-7238 ext. 100 for an appointment. 
Meanwhile, the larger, mass vaccination clinics are shutting down. Driscoll Children’s Hospital will no longer give vaccinations at the American Bank Center as the entertainment venue is once again booking concerts and events, making the space unavailable. The hospital will phase out all of its vaccination programs in early May.
The large clinics at the Richard M. Borchard Regional Fairgrounds in Robstown will remain, but with adjusted hours. Also, walk-up vaccinations are now available at the fairgrounds from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday of each week. 
The health district at 1702 Horne Road in Corpus Christi will give out 400 first doses of the Moderna vaccine 9-11 a.m. Friday, April 23. 
“We need to be as flexible as possible, so we are shifting as we are allowed into locations where people are just walking by,” said Nueces County Judge Barbara Canales. “When vaccines are plentiful, we are now able to pivot to go to people.”
Canales warned against complacency. 
“Just because you can now get a vaccine anytime and almost anywhere, don’t put it off,” she said. “Make today the day you go do it. It’s free, it’s available, and it’s convenient.”