Coronavirus: Houston Department of Health opens city’s first public COVID-19 vaccination clinic on Saturday, January 2

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) – COVID-19 vaccines will be distributed to more members of the general population starting Saturday, January 2

Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner announced on New Years Day the opening of the city’s first coronavirus vaccination clinic.

“The virus has taken its toll, particularly among the elderly and black and brown communities,” Turner said. “The vaccine is our best solution to prevent people from getting sick and potentially having serious consequences.”

After the Pfizer vaccine was approved in mid-December, frontline health workers began receiving doses during Phase 1A of the state of Texas distribution plan. Moderna’s vaccine was cleared soon after, and Phase 1B vaccinations began in the state for people 65 and older and people 16 and older who had at least one chronic illness, such as cancer, chronic kidney disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart disease, solid organ transplantation, obesity, pregnancy, sickle cell disease, and type 2 diabetes.

Vaccines from the city’s first public clinic will be available free starting Saturday for people at “high risk of serious illness and death from coronavirus,” according to the Houston Department of Health.

People who meet the criteria for phase 1A or 1B are first encouraged to contact their doctor, hospital or pharmacy to find out about vaccine availability. You can use the Texas Department of State Health Services online map to find a provider as well.

If you are unable to obtain it through your doctor’s office, you can sign up to receive the Moderna vaccine by appointment at the Saturday Mass Clinic Health Department.

To make an appointment, call the Houston Health Department at 832-393-4220 between 7:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. beginning Saturday, January 2. You will receive the location and an appointment time for each person who registers vaccinated.

When you arrive at the clinic, health workers will screen you and direct you to a specific area to receive the vaccine. You will be monitored for about 15 minutes afterwards for any side effects.

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The Houston Department of Health will announce additional free vaccination opportunities as the supply increases.