HOUSTON – The Houston Health Department administered nearly 3,600 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine at Minute Maid Park on Saturday. The city made an additional 1,000 appointments available mid-day, which booked up quickly.
“The new appointments filled in about 30 minutes,” the department tweeted. “We’ll post additional vaccination opportunities at http://HoustonEmergency.org/COVID19 as supply increases.”
The new appointments were made available because of an additional 8,000 doses of vaccine delivered to the health department on Friday, according to the release.
The Houston Health Department announced Friday a partnership with the Astros Foundation to host Minute Maid Park as a COVID-19 vaccination site on Saturday.
The vaccination site will be open to those who already have appointments scheduled at the health department’s Bayou City Event Center clinic, which will close for an unrelated weekend event.
People will be provided with information about the new location and instructions on what to do when they arrive. Those who do not have an appointment with the health department will be turned away, health officials said.
”The City of Houston is working around the clock to get the COVID-19 vaccine to the public based on available supply. Unfortunately, we are not in control of the vaccine supply and must schedule local vaccines based on vaccine delivery,” Mayor Sylvester Turner said. “We are grateful to the Astros Foundation for being a valued partner in the city’s COVID-19 response by providing facilities and resources for testing and vaccinations. Time and time again, Houston Astros leadership prove the organization’s commitment to our community.”
”The Astros remain committed to our community and are happy to partner with the City and its health department to ensure Houstonians in need are receiving the vaccine safely and efficiently,” said Astros Owner and Chairman Jim Crane. “We look forward to helping Houston recover and are grateful to provide assistance as needed.”