The City of Houston Health Department received its first delivery of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine and opened its first public vaccination clinic on January 2. I believe this extraordinary gift during a global pandemic is putting our lives closer to returning to normal. But we are not there yet, and it will take months before everyone who wants the vaccine can get it.
That is why I asked our Health Department to get the vaccine out as quickly as possible once doses are received because it is vital to slowing the spread of the virus and saving lives.
You can be assured that as supply increases, we will make the vaccine available at our health centers, multi-service centers, community locations, and mobile units.
We also opened a temporary super site vaccination clinic at Minute Maid Park. I thank the Astros Foundation for being a great community partner. Our vaccine distribution would not be possible without the selfless work of Health Department staff, the Houston Police and Fire Departments, and volunteers, including those from Rodeo Houston.
The Health Department launched online registration allowing Houstonians at the highest
risk of coronavirus disease to schedule appointments to receive free COVID-19 vaccinations. People age 65 and older and people age 18 and older with at least one chronic medical condition putting them at increased risk of severe illness and death may sign up to get the vaccine at HoustonEmergency.org/COVID19.
These groups are prioritized as Phase 1B of the State of Texas’ vaccine distribution plan. Frontlines healthcare workers who have yet to receive the vaccine also are eligible to sign up to get the shot through the health department. Healthcare workers are grouped as part of Phase 1A distribution.
Appointments are also available through the health department’s COVID-19 call center by calling 832-393-4220. The call center is open Monday through Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., with hours extended until 5 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
The Health Department is doing a phenomenal job getting the vaccine directly to people. The new online registration, in addition to the call center, will make the process more efficient. While there is great public demand for the COVID-19 vaccine, there is also a lot of hesitancy. I understand the concerns, but I encourage all eligible Houstonians to get vaccinated to help stop the spread of the deadly virus.
On Monday, January 4, I joined with community members who were eligible for the vaccine to get our shot in the arm. I got the vaccine in a public way because I want to encourage others to get it, especially those in vulnerable communities. It is the best chance we have right now to stop the insidious virus and save lives.
While there is a lot of focus on getting the vaccine, I want to ask you not to stop following health and safety measures. Please keep wearing your face mask, practice social distancing, wash your hands frequently and get tested.Together, we will conquer COVID-19!
Learn about new appointment opportunities through email, text message, voice call, or mobile app push notification by registering for the HoustonRecovers subscription of AlertHouston at HoustonEmergency.org/covid19.