Mass Drive-Through COVID-19 Vaccination Clinics
BACKGROUND
In early 2021, Austin, Texas, like much of the world, was dealing with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Vaccines were not widely available, and following the winter holiday season, Austin experienced one of its highest rates of infection since the start of the pandemic. Health orders were issued aimed to limit the spread of COVID-19 which included restrictions on gatherings, limited capacity for businesses, mask mandates requiring residents to wear face coverings in public spaces, and recommendations to stay at home whenever possible.
Photo by Julia Reihs
VACCINATION ROLLOUT
In response, Travis County partnered with local entities including neighboring counties, Ascension Seton, and CommUnityCare to establish a free, large scale drive-through vaccination clinic at the Circuit of the Americas.
RESPONSIBILITIES
I was responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing the logistical operations of the clinic overseeing site planning and supply chain management to ensure efficient, accessible, and safe vaccine distribution to thousands of residents. This role required high-level coordination with public health officials, emergency response teams, healthcare providers, law enforcement, and volunteers.
I coordinated procurement and distribution of critical supplies including personal protective equipment, sanitization materials, and logistical equipment, ensuring supply availability for all staff.
I collaborated with technology staff to manage patient registration and utilized real-time tracking tools of clinic operations.
I designed and implemented efficient traffic flow to optimize traffic flow and minimize wait times.
Through this clinic, we administered over 10,000 vaccine doses. Travis County would continue to operate free drive-through vaccination clinics for two more years and distribute over 430,000 doses. This type of work is an example of why I joined Travis County. This was government in action fueled by the power of service and strength of community. I’m proud to have been a part of this work.
Judge Andy Brown asked me to share my experience at a Commissioners Court Voting Session. Listen to it here (2:49:58).
SKILLS
Operational Planning and Execution, Supply Chain Management, Crisis Management and Problem Solving, Large-Scale Logistics, Emergency Response Operations, Stakeholder Communication