Houston plans to soon offer self-programming for second dose of vaccine

HOUSTON – People who should receive their second dose of the coronavirus vaccine will soon be able to make an appointment themselves.

Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner said on Monday that the city’s Department of Health had received nearly 42,000 first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, with nearly 34,000 administered. He said that about 18,600 second doses were received with 2,300 of those administered. He said that almost 12,000 people are scheduled to receive their second dose this week.

Turner said the Houston Department of Health is making direct contact with people to schedule their second dose. He said people should give the Health Department at least 48 hours before the second dose is due, before calling the city call center to ask about an appointment.

Stephen Williams, director of the Department of Health, said a link will be announced soon that will allow people to schedule the second dose themselves.

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Dr. David Persse, the city’s medical director, reminded people that the recommended 28 days are not a strict rule. However, he said the second dose is needed to get the full benefits of the vaccine.

“The goal of the second dose is to increase immunity within your system and, in fact, develop B cells and memory T cells that will give you long-term immunity,” said Persse.

Turner said the city is planning more community vaccine clinics to ensure an equitable distribution of vaccines.

A partnership with Hope Clinic in Alief caused 500 people to receive their first dose over the weekend, Turner said. He said another clinic is planned somewhere in the northeast area of ​​Houston soon, but details are still being finalized.

“It’s just closer for people to get to it,” said Turner. “We have to recognize that there are many people who are experiencing transportation problems.”

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Williams said that although small-scale efforts are important for equity in distribution, mass vaccine clinics are still vital to the overall distribution strategy.

“They are good for seeing a large number of people and we need to keep them active because, if we don’t really vaccinate a large number of people, we will lose access to the vaccine,” said Williams. “At the same time, we need to make sure that certain communities are not blocked from this system.”

Persse said that both the rate of hospitalizations and the rate of positivity have stabilized and there may even be some small decreases. He said people should still keep their guard off and follow all the coronavirus guidelines suggested by health officials: wash your hands, wear a mask, keep your distance from others and get tested.

You can watch a replay of Turner’s press conference below: