Mayor Turner announces the opening of the city’s first COVID-19 vaccination site to the public

HOUSTON – Mayor Sylvester Turner announced Friday that the Houston Department of Health is opening the first COVID-19 vaccination site to the public.

The free vaccination clinic will provide access to the general public at high risk of serious illness and death from coronavirus.

“We are working effectively to immunize eligible frontline workers and vulnerable Houstonians,” Turner said. “The virus has taken its toll, especially among the elderly and black and brown communities. The vaccine is our best solution to prevent people from getting sick and potentially suffering serious consequences. “

Here is how it will work:

To make an appointment to receive the Moderna vaccine, call the city’s health department COVID-19 call center at 832-393-4220 between home from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. starting Saturday.

Each person will be given a meeting place and time to be vaccinated. According to a press release, the health department said it would screen people on their first visit to the clinic area, direct them to a safe area to receive the vaccination and monitor them for any adverse reactions for 15 minutes.

Who is eligible to receive the vaccine at the clinic?

Texas’ Phase 1B distribution plan will prioritize people 65 and older and people 16 and older, who have at least one chronic illness, putting them at increased risk, according to a statement.

Medical conditions include: cancer, chronic kidney disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, heart problems, solid organ transplantation, obesity and severe obesity, pregnancy, sickle cell disease, and type 2 diabetes.

The statement also said frontline healthcare workers will be eligible for immunization as part of the Phase 1A distribution that began in mid-December.

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

According to the release, eligible people should contact their medical provider or use the Texas State Department’s online health services map to find and call vaccine providers.

For more information on COVID-19 vaccines, click here.