Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner announced the opening of the city’s first coronavirus vaccination clinic on New Year’s Day.
“The virus has caused harm, especially among the elderly and the black and brown communities,” said Turner. “The vaccine is our best chance to help prevent people from getting sick and suffering serious consequences.”
After the Pfizer vaccine was authorized in mid-December, frontline healthcare professionals began receiving doses during Phase 1A of the Texas distribution plan. Moderna’s vaccine was authorized soon after, and Phase 1B vaccinations started in the state for people aged 65 and over and people aged 16 and over who had at least one chronic medical condition, such as cancer, chronic kidney disease, illness chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart disease, solid organ transplantation, obesity, pregnancy, sickle cell disease and type 2 diabetes.
Vaccines at the city’s first public clinic will be available free of charge from Saturday to those at “high risk of serious illness and death from coronavirus,” according to the Houston Department of Health.
People who meet Phase 1A or 1B criteria are first advised to contact their doctor, hospital or pharmacy to check the availability of the vaccine. You can use the Texas State Health Services online map to also find a provider.
If you are unable to do this at your doctor’s office, you can register to receive the Modern vaccine with an appointment at the health department at the massive clinic on Saturdays.
To make an appointment, call the Houston Department of Health at 832-393-4220 between 7:30 am and 4:00 pm, starting on Saturday, January 2. You will receive the place and time of consultation for each person who registers to be vaccinated.
When you arrive at the clinic, health professionals will screen and direct you to a specific area to receive the vaccine. You will be monitored for about 15 minutes after any adverse reactions.
According to the FDA, the Modern COVID-19 vaccine is recommended for people 18 years of age or older
The Houston Department of Health will announce additional free vaccination opportunities as the offer increases.
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