AUSTIN, Texas – Austin Public Health (APH) is launching two new online calculators as resources for the community. One provides insight to help determine whether someone is up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines and the other helps determine whether someone might be at risk for severe illness. 

"The more we know about ourselves the better we can fight this virus, and these calculators will help to do just that,” said Dr. Desmar Walkes, Austin-Travis County Health Authority. “A recent study shows natural immunity offers insufficient protection from newer variants. Getting up to date with vaccines is the best way to protect against hospitalization and death.” 

The tools include a series of questions developed in consultation with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations and established data trends. Guidance has evolved along with this pandemic. APH is providing tools to help people navigate this new phase. 

"When it comes to figuring out if you need a booster or an additional dose or need to take additional precautions, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. They’re based on your personal health factors,” said APH Director Adrienne Sturrup. “These calculators will help to inform decisions based on individual situations.” 

Calculator 1: Am I up to date? 

Fully vaccinated, boosted, up to date—it can be difficult to keep track of what it all means. The goal is to get up to date; that means you have received all doses in a primary series and a booster when eligible. The recommendations follow CDC guidance and are different depending on your age, health status, type of vaccine received, and when you first got vaccinated. 

This calculator will help you determine your vaccination status based on current recommendations. The calculator will help you determine if you are up to date with your COVID-19 vaccinations based on current recommendations from the CDC. Once you’ve learned your vaccination status, visit the city’s Get a Vaccine webpage which illustrates vaccine schedules and eligibility guidelines. 

More than 73% of Travis County residents 5 and older are fully vaccinated, meaning they’ve completed their primary dose(s). Only 46% of those who are fully vaccinated have received a booster or third dose. Children 5-11 have the lowest vaccination rate of any age demographic at 35.5%. About 36% of the eligible African American population in Travis County is fully vaccinated, the lowest rate compared to other race and ethnicity groups. The campaign called 40k Your Way is working to help address this disparity. 

Calculator 2: Am I at risk?  

This feature considers factors such as demographics, chronic conditions and vaccination status to help you gauge your risk of becoming seriously ill with COVID-19. Understanding risk empowers people to better protect their own health and the health of their loved ones. 

I have this information from both calculators. Now what? 

• Take precautions based on whether you and/or your loved ones are at risk 

• Get vaccinated and boosted as soon as you are eligible 

APH testing and vaccination information     

Find vaccine providers using Vaccines.gov (Vacunas.gov in Spanish) or by texting your zip code to 438829 (822862 in Spanish) to find a nearby clinic.     

APH clinics offer COVID-19 testing and vaccinations without an appointment, although creating an account online in advance saves time. COVID-19 vaccinations are free and require neither identification nor insurance. For more information and to schedule an appointment, call 3-1-1 or 512-974-2000 or visit www.AustinTexas.gov/COVID19.     

The APH Mobile Vaccination Program brings vaccine clinics to businesses, churches and more. APH is asking all organizations to fill out an online form to request a pop-up clinic.