(Dallas, TX) —  The Texas Department of State Health is hoping to spread the message that the COVID-19 vaccine is safe amid increasing cases in the state.

State health representatives were outside of a Walmart in southern Dallas Saturday and Sunday greeting shoppers with information on the vaccine.  Meanwhile, coronavirus cases and hospitalizations continue to increase across the state while vaccination rates lag far behind.

Some of the largest spikes in the state have been in the North Texas areas of Johnson, Parker, and Rockwall counties.