It can be a confusing and frustrating challenge for many Houston residents trying to register for the COVID-19 vaccine in Harris County.
But there is now a new plan to streamline the registration process. Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo announced that “Ready Harris”, a new “smart waiting list portal” will be launched on Tuesday afternoon to ensure that it is a fair process for all who strive to book. a vaccination appointment.
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“First, let me talk a little about our values in Harris County when it comes to distributing the vaccine,” said Hidalgo at a news conference. “Let me be frank. Getting a COVID-19 vaccine shouldn’t be like Hunger Games. It shouldn’t be about who can update in a faster browser. It shouldn’t be about who has special knowledge about when a registration link will open. “
Hidalgo said that all eligible Harris County residents can sign up for the waiting list and be contacted as soon as vaccine supplies and appointment times are available. The process will no longer be implemented on a first-come, first-served basis, a Harris County Health press release said. Hidalgo stressed that the process must be equal for working families.
“In everything we do to combat COVID-19, we are pushing not only for efficiency, but also for justice and equity,” said Hidalgo at the news conference.
At the moment, only Phase 1A and Phase 1B are eligible for COVID-19 vaccinations, which includes elderly people aged 65 and over, healthcare professionals and individuals aged 16 and over with certain medical conditions. If you fall into these categories, your record will be weighted by priority and then randomized to the priority list.
Hidalgo stressed that those who did not have access to the Internet can still register for vaccination. Harris County residents without Internet access can call Ready Harris’ phone number (832-927-8787) once the portal is live on Tuesday afternoon to be placed on the waiting list.
The Harris County Health Department also plans to launch a COVID-19 vaccine data center, which will show the availability and distribution of the vaccine, according to a press release. Harris County residents can be placed on a waiting list via the vaccine information link at ReadyHarris.org and https://vacstrac.hctx.net.