Judge Lina Hidalgo of Harris Co. announces new waiting lists for the vaccination of COVID-19

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) – Judge Lina Hidalgo, Harris County, on Monday afternoon announced a new COVID-19 waiting list for vaccines in an effort to ensure that those with high priority are not overlooked and provide a smoother process.

Hidalgo set out the basics on how the waiting list will work. Hidalgo was accompanied by dr. Sherri Onyiego, the interim local health authority for Harris County Public Health.

The waiting list is said to be weighted and random, which means that the website does not necessarily benefit those who have the fastest internet connection. Once the portal opens on Tuesday, anyone can register.

If you fall under groups 1A, 1B or the elderly, your registration will be weighted for priority and then it will be randomly within the priority list.

The launch of this new portal and waiting list expands the previous process by allowing eligible residents to subscribe directly to their own vaccinations, according to a press release from the country.

Eligible residents without internet access can also call 832 927-8787 if the portal is available to place on the waiting list.

If you do not fall under the three groups, you can still register, but that means you will be on a waiting list to open the vaccine to the general public.

In addition to the new portal, the Department of Public Health will also launch a COVID-19 vaccine data hub. The center will show the availability of vaccine, distribution and other demographic data.

SEE RELATED STORY: Distribution by province over COVID-19 distribution of vaccines