RICHMOND, Texas – Preregistration for the COVID-19 has closed following Fort Bend County Judge KP George’s announcement that the county received a supply of 5,850 doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine from the Department of State Health Services Thursday. Those who preregistered today are now on a waiting list for future vaccine shipments.
The county scheduled appointments for those who are currently preregistered with the Fort Bend County Health & Human Services.
“I am glad to announce that Fort Bend County Health & Human Services (FBCHHS) received a supply of 5,850 doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine today and will begin scheduling appointments for those who are currently Preregistered with us,” George said in a written release. “I thank all the healthcare workers and staff working around the clock to make this happen.”
The preregistered residents will be contacted by phone to ensure the county is able to schedule their appointment.
Officials asked for those who haven’t preregistered to apply at www.fbchealth.org. As of Thursday afternoon, the site stated, “At this time, we have reached preregistration capacity. Please follow updates on fbchealth.org.”
Anyone with questions regarding preregistration, the COVID-19 vaccine or COVID-19 information in general, is asked to call the county’s Vaccination Hotline at 832-471-1373.
The county said it does not know when it will receive another new shipment of vaccine at this time. The county is asking that residents be patient throughout the process of trying to schedule and receive vaccinations.
Health officials also addressed the frustrations with the supply being able to meet the current demand, saying the rollout was planned at the federal level. “We feel the public’s frustration. It was not our plan . They rolled it out and we have to abide by it. Right now, the supply is limited,” Johnson-Minter said.
In the meantime, health officials are asking county residents to follow CDC guidelines and continue social distancing/safety practices as they wait for the complete distribution of the vaccine.
“We empathize with every one of them,” Johnson-Minter said. “This is the way the process occurs, and we will move forward.”
The state designated Ft. Bend County as a vaccine hub. Judge George said the county is equipped to receive and handle large quantities of the vaccine for distribution. The county plans to open three or four vaccination sites. Right now, there are no specifics as to what locations will be used.
Watch the full update below: