Harris County will launch a COVID-19 vaccine waiting list on Tuesday to ensure that vaccines are administered fairly among eligible residents.
Instead of the first-come, first-served approach used by other distributors, including the city of Houston, the county system will randomly choose recipients for consultations. Older residents will be a priority, Harris County Public Health said.
“Let me be frank: getting the COVID-19 vaccine shouldn’t be like the ‘Hunger Games’,” said county judge Lina Hidalgo. “It’s not about who can update on a faster browser.”
Only people who meet the criteria in phases 1A – first respondents and healthcare professionals – and 1B – residents at least 65 years of age or with certain medical conditions – will receive consultations.
Registration will be available at readyharris.org; residents can also call (832) 927-8787 to apply. Operators are available in English, Spanish and Vietnamese. All Texans are eligible.
The health department said that its distribution plan follows state guidelines. Dallas County reversed a plan to focus vaccination efforts on certain low-income zip codes after the state threatened to halt supply of the vaccine.
Harris County has administered more than 27,000 doses of vaccine to date, less than the capacity of Minute Maid Park. Hidalgo said the county received about 9,000 doses of the Modern vaccine each week.
People who are not eligible for categories 1A or 1B can still apply. Vaccines may not be available to most residents, however, until May or June.