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

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) – COVID-19 vaccines will be distributed to more members of the general public from Saturday, January 2nd.

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

“The virus has taken a toll, especially among the elderly and black and colored communities,” Turner said. “Vaccination is our best chance of preventing people from getting sick and potentially suffering serious consequences.”

After the Pfizer vaccine was approved in mid-December, leading health care professionals began receiving doses through Phase 1A of the Texas State Distribution Plan. Moderna’s vaccination was approved shortly thereafter and phase 1B vaccinations began in the state for people aged 65 and older and people aged 16 and older who had at least one chronic medical condition, such as cancer, chronic kidney disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. (COPD), heart conditions, solid organ transplantation, obesity, pregnancy, sickle cell disease and type 2 diabetes.

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

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

If you cannot get it through your doctor’s office, you can register to receive the Moderna vaccine by appointment at the health department at the mass clinic on Saturday.

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

When you arrive at the clinic, health professionals will examine you and guide you to a specific area to receive the vaccine. You will be monitored for any adverse reactions approximately 15 minutes later.

According to the FDA, the Modern COVID-19 vaccine is recommended for people 18 years and older

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