WEATHER ALERT
Houston ISD student dies after testing positive for Meningococcal Disease
Read full article: Houston ISD student dies after testing positive for Meningococcal DiseaseThe student at a Houston Independent School District’s Bonham Elementary School has died after testing positive for Meningococcal Disease.
Heat Exhaustion: Who’s at highest risk, symptoms to watch out for, and how to know when to get medical help
Read full article: Heat Exhaustion: Who’s at highest risk, symptoms to watch out for, and how to know when to get medical helpHeat exhaustion and heat stroke are SERIOUS risks in these unfavorable weather conditions. Learn more about how to protect yourself from the scorching heat here. 🥵🌡️#HeatSafety #StayCool #HoustonHeat
COVID-19 cases could be on the rise in Houston
Read full article: COVID-19 cases could be on the rise in HoustonHeat waves might not be the only kind of wave Houstonians have to deal with in the next few weeks, as experts from the Houston Health Department have predicted a potential “Covid Wave” as cases have been slowly increasing over the past five weeks.
‘Grossly overstated numbers’: Houston Health Department launches investigation after STD data goes viral on social media
Read full article: ‘Grossly overstated numbers’: Houston Health Department launches investigation after STD data goes viral on social mediaA social media post had many questioning the health of many Houstonians after someone misused the Houston Health Department data system, insinuating over 42,000 people tested positive for an STD.
Repairs still undone at NW Houston hotel pool months after Aliyah Jaico was sucked into pipe
Read full article: Repairs still undone at NW Houston hotel pool months after Aliyah Jaico was sucked into pipeNearly 3 months after Aliyah died, a Houston Health Department spokesperson says the pool remains closed but that's because “The operator hasn’t submitted plans to remodel the pool." He adds, "Our department would need to review and approve the plans before the operator can even begin the pool repairs.”
Heat Exhaustion: Who’s at highest risk, symptoms to watch out for, and how to know when to get medical help
Read full article: Heat Exhaustion: Who’s at highest risk, symptoms to watch out for, and how to know when to get medical helpHeat exhaustion and heat stroke are SERIOUS risks in these unfavorable weather conditions. Learn more about how to protect yourself from the scorching heat here. 🥵🌡️#HeatSafety #StayCool #HoustonHeat
Lazy river pools don’t have specific inspection requirements in Houston, KPRC 2 learns after hotel drowning death
Read full article: Lazy river pools don’t have specific inspection requirements in Houston, KPRC 2 learns after hotel drowning deathThe City of Houston has five permitted lazy river-style pools, including at the northwest Houston DoubleTree by Hilton hotel where a young girl was tragically killed over the weekend.
How to look up inspection reports on public pools in Houston area
Read full article: How to look up inspection reports on public pools in Houston areaSummer is approaching, which means more pool time. Parents, here's how you can check if the last time a commercial or public pool has been inspected before allowing your kids in to play.
December 1 is World AIDS Day: See statistics in Houston, testing, prevention and more
Read full article: December 1 is World AIDS Day: See statistics in Houston, testing, prevention and moreKPRC 2 joins the world on Dec. 1 in remembrance of the millions of lives lost to AIDS and people who are still living with AIDS or HIV.
NW Houston family whose apartment flooded with raw sewage gets some relief, but problems persist
Read full article: NW Houston family whose apartment flooded with raw sewage gets some relief, but problems persistA Northwest side family that was forced to live in raw sewage that had been flooding their apartment for days, with no help from property management.
‘What are we waiting for?’ Tense moments during city council meeting over $5M Fifth Ward relocation fund proposal
Read full article: ‘What are we waiting for?’ Tense moments during city council meeting over $5M Fifth Ward relocation fund proposalLast year, the Houston Health Department said it found cancer-causing chemicals in the soil around the Union Pacific Railroad yard. The soil contained dioxin, a highly toxic chemical compound associated with cancer and other severe health risks.
Houston activates heat emergency plan as city expects sweltering temperatures; here are tips to stay safe this summer
Read full article: Houston activates heat emergency plan as city expects sweltering temperatures; here are tips to stay safe this summerAs a heat wave moves into Houston, city officials are activating Houston’s Public Health Heat Emergency Plan.
Houston-area syphilis outbreak: Health department reports 128% increase in cases among women
Read full article: Houston-area syphilis outbreak: Health department reports 128% increase in cases among womenThe Houston Health Department has reported an outbreak of congenital syphilis in Houston and Harris County.
Houston Health Department offers mpox vaccines during Houston Pride events to mitigate spread
Read full article: Houston Health Department offers mpox vaccines during Houston Pride events to mitigate spreadAlthough monkeypox cases are currently down, the Houston Health Department has encouraged those who plan to attend Houston Pride to take safety precautions to prevent a resurgence this summer.
Houston boutique owner tied to bribery scandal involving city’s health department, prosecutors say
Read full article: Houston boutique owner tied to bribery scandal involving city’s health department, prosecutors sayFederal court documents revealed one of those businesses is Melodrama Boutique, which is owned by Juquita “Jackie” Adams.
Union Pacific solidifies agreement to increase testing in Fifth Ward neighborhood, part of area where cancer cluster identified
Read full article: Union Pacific solidifies agreement to increase testing in Fifth Ward neighborhood, part of area where cancer cluster identifiedUnion Pacific Railroad has announced a collaboration with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and community partners in an agreement to move forward with additional environmental assessment and testing at the former Houston Wood Preserving Works site in Fifth Ward.
Seen at 7: Keeping Your Heart Healthy
Read full article: Seen at 7: Keeping Your Heart HealthyDr. David Persse, chief medical officer for the Houston Health Department, joins us to talk about how high cholesterol and high blood pressure are leading risk factors for heart problems and what can people start doing today to lower their risk of heart problems?
How to safeguard your personal information in wake of recent cyberattacks
Read full article: How to safeguard your personal information in wake of recent cyberattacksMemorial Hermann, St. Luke’s, the Houston Health Department and Oak Bend Medical Center, are among the local healthcare systems hit by cyberattacks in 2022, potentially putting patients at risk by exposing their protected health information.
December 1 is World AIDS Day: See statistics in Houston, testing, prevention and more
Read full article: December 1 is World AIDS Day: See statistics in Houston, testing, prevention and moreKPRC 2 joins the world on Dec. 1 in remembrance of the millions of lives lost to AIDS and people who are still living with AIDS or HIV.
See to Succeed: HHF celebrates program helping underserved children receive eye exams, glasses
Read full article: See to Succeed: HHF celebrates program helping underserved children receive eye exams, glassesThe Houston Health Foundation is celebrating Aramco Americas’ visionary leadership and support of its Brilliant Futures program, See to Succeed, operated by the Houston Health Department.
GUILTY: Houston Health Department official Barry Barnes admits taking bribes in federal court, US Attorney says
Read full article: GUILTY: Houston Health Department official Barry Barnes admits taking bribes in federal court, US Attorney saysBarry Barnes, a former administrative and community outreach coordinator at the Houston Health Department pleaded guilty in federal court to bribery. The case is the result of an FBI raid in February at the Houston Health Department’s headquarters.
Allergies, pollen and mold: This is how to check how bad it is right now in the Houston area🤧
Read full article: Allergies, pollen and mold: This is how to check how bad it is right now in the Houston area🤧This is how to check the pollen and mold count in Houston if you're feeling your allergies kicking up.
THEA calls on state to conduct in-depth studies on the health of residents living in Kashmere Gardens and the Fifth Ward
Read full article: THEA calls on state to conduct in-depth studies on the health of residents living in Kashmere Gardens and the Fifth WardThe Texas Health and Environmental Alliance (THEA) held a press conference Thursday to call on the state to conduct in-depth studies on the health of residents living in Kashmere Gardens and the Fifth Ward.
Houston Health Department says it has detected cancer-causing chemical around Fifth Ward near Kashmere Gardens
Read full article: Houston Health Department says it has detected cancer-causing chemical around Fifth Ward near Kashmere GardensThe Houston Health Department said Friday that surface soil samples collected in July around the contaminated Union Pacific rail yard and tested by the department contain dioxin, a highly toxic chemical compound associated with cancer and other severe health risks.
Stronger Houston: Houston logging some of nation’s highest HIV diagnoses; health officials hoping for vaccine in near future
Read full article: Stronger Houston: Houston logging some of nation’s highest HIV diagnoses; health officials hoping for vaccine in near futureThe southern part of the U.S. accounts for 51% of new HIV cases each year. This is according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Some regions throughout the south also lag in providing HIV prevention services and care.
Mayor Turner, HPD Chief Finner join My Brother’s Keeper to call for ‘sensible’ gun legislation
Read full article: Mayor Turner, HPD Chief Finner join My Brother’s Keeper to call for ‘sensible’ gun legislationMayor Sylvester Turner and Houston Police Chief Troy Finner joined My Brother’s Keeper, a program of the Houston Health Department, along with community organizations and elected officials on Wednesday to call for “sensible” legislation in response to gun violence.
Houston Health Department, Harris County Public Health discuss latest updates on monkeypox efforts, spread prevention
Read full article: Houston Health Department, Harris County Public Health discuss latest updates on monkeypox efforts, spread preventionLeaders from the Harris County Public Health and Houston Health Department held a Q&A virtual news conference to discuss updates relating to monkeypox and departments’ efforts on mitigating the spread of the virus.
Monkeypox vaccinations: Houston Health Department to begin intradermal vaccinations Tuesday
Read full article: Monkeypox vaccinations: Houston Health Department to begin intradermal vaccinations TuesdayThe Houston Health Department on Tuesday will switch to intradermal monkeypox vaccinations, an injection just under the skin, and expand eligibility criteria to the estimated 26,000 people living with HIV in Houston and Harris County, officials said in a news release.
Houston Health Department earns CDC designation as Center of Excellence for wastewater epidemiology
Read full article: Houston Health Department earns CDC designation as Center of Excellence for wastewater epidemiologyThe Houston Health Department announced Wednesday it is now recognized by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as a National Wastewater Surveillance System Center of Excellence.
Houston Health Department receives more than 6,000 doses of monkeypox vaccine, more expected
Read full article: Houston Health Department receives more than 6,000 doses of monkeypox vaccine, more expectedHarris County Judge Lina Hidalgo provided an update on Harris County’s response to Monkeypox Tuesday morning.
Houston’s COVID-19 community level is ‘high’ as cases, hospitalizations increase, health dept. says
Read full article: Houston’s COVID-19 community level is ‘high’ as cases, hospitalizations increase, health dept. saysThe city of Houston’s COVID-19 community level was moved to “high” as cases and hospitalizations increase, according to the Houston Health Department.
Sterlingshire Apartments working to be in compliance with the City; Residents say they’re still dealing with issues
Read full article: Sterlingshire Apartments working to be in compliance with the City; Residents say they’re still dealing with issuesOn Wednesday, dozens of residents at the Sterlingshire Apartments in Northeast Houston were served a hot meal thanks to an organization called Hoodies 4 Healing.
Health department sends inspectors to explore deplorable living conditions at Sterlingshire apartments complex
Read full article: Health department sends inspectors to explore deplorable living conditions at Sterlingshire apartments complexThe Houston Health Department is now involved in the quest for answers at the Sterlingshire Apartment Complex, and sent several inspectors to the property Friday.
Attorney for Houston Health Department employee involved in FBI search warrant says client is ‘shocked’ and ‘concerned’
Read full article: Attorney for Houston Health Department employee involved in FBI search warrant says client is ‘shocked’ and ‘concerned’There are many questions still swirling around the city following last Wednesday’s execution of a search warrant at the Houston Health Department.
FBI conducts federal investigation at Houston Health Department, KPRC 2 Investigates has learned
Read full article: FBI conducts federal investigation at Houston Health Department, KPRC 2 Investigates has learnedThe FBI arrived at the Houston Health Department building at 8000 N. Stadium Drive around 9 a.m. Wednesday as part of a federal investigation, according to the FBI.
Houston Health Department confirms girl under age 10 as city’s youngest COVID-19 death
Read full article: Houston Health Department confirms girl under age 10 as city’s youngest COVID-19 deathA girl under 10 is the city’s youngest confirmed pediatric COVID-19 death, the Houston Health Department announced Wednesday.
Houston-area COVID-19 test sites close early due to rain, health dept. says
Read full article: Houston-area COVID-19 test sites close early due to rain, health dept. saysThree Houston-area COVID-19 testing sites have closed early due to inclement weather, officials with Houston Health Department said on Saturday.
Fort Bend County set to launch 1st COVID mega testing site
Read full article: Fort Bend County set to launch 1st COVID mega testing siteFort Bend County is the latest Houston-area community to launch a drive-thru COVID-19 mega testing site. Leaders say the site is a necessity, citing “the exponential increase” in demand by residents for COVID testing because of the rapid spread of the omicron variant.
HISD opening COVID-19 testing sites as schools prepare to resume classes Monday
Read full article: HISD opening COVID-19 testing sites as schools prepare to resume classes MondayToday, several city-affiliated sites are closed today and tomorrow for the holiday as Houston Independent School District prepares to expand testing to its students and staff for a safe return Monday.
Houston Health Department opening additional drive-thru COVID-19 testing site at Minute Maid Park
Read full article: Houston Health Department opening additional drive-thru COVID-19 testing site at Minute Maid ParkThe Houston Health Department is partnering with DAVACO to open another drive-thru COVID-19 testing site this week.
How to avoid bogus COVID testing sites in the Houston area
Read full article: How to avoid bogus COVID testing sites in the Houston areaWith the U.S. now averaging over 150,000 new COVID cases each day, Americans are flooding into testing sites, desperate for results which Porfirio Villarreal with the Houston Health Department says sets the stage for scam artists to try and game the system by operating bogus testing sites.
COVID-19 testing centers now open at Delmar Stadium, Minute Maid Park. What you need to know before you go
Read full article: COVID-19 testing centers now open at Delmar Stadium, Minute Maid Park. What you need to know before you goThe Houston Health Department is expanding its COVID-19 testing effort because the demand for testing is rising dramatically.
Demand for COVID tests soar as Christmas approaches, Houston Health Department says
Read full article: Demand for COVID tests soar as Christmas approaches, Houston Health Department saysHouston Health Department officials said the demand for COVID-19 testing is up, causing two of its testing sites to reach capacity and close early Wednesday.
Omicron is spreading, but is Houston ready to combat the virus?
Read full article: Omicron is spreading, but is Houston ready to combat the virus?The Omicron variant has yet to be detected in Houston but Chief environmental science officer Dr. Loren Hopkins with the Houston Health Department says they’ve been testing the wastewater to detect new variants with help from public works.
Houston Health Department recommends more than 200 people get repeat dose of COVID-19 vaccine after issue at 2 locations
Read full article: Houston Health Department recommends more than 200 people get repeat dose of COVID-19 vaccine after issue at 2 locationsThe department said the issue relates to the use of the Moderna vaccine administered prior to the product's expiration date but outside of its use by date.
Houston Health Department begins administering COVID-19 vaccines to children 5 and older
Read full article: Houston Health Department begins administering COVID-19 vaccines to children 5 and olderThe Houston Health Department will begin Friday vaccinating children as young as five against COVID-19. Medical staff at La Nueva Casa de Amigos Health Center will get things underway administering shots in the arms of the children.
Nicholas knocked out your power, internet? Get plugged in at these centers, hotspots across the Houston area
Read full article: Nicholas knocked out your power, internet? Get plugged in at these centers, hotspots across the Houston areaComcast is offering Xfinity wifi hotspots in the Houston area Tuesday to help people affected by Tropical Storm Nicholas.
Houston Health Department confirms city’s first COVID-19 pediatric death of child with no underlying health conditions
Read full article: Houston Health Department confirms city’s first COVID-19 pediatric death of child with no underlying health conditionsIt was announced Thursday that a local boy between the ages 10 and 19 is Houston’s first pediatric COVID-19 death without underlying health conditions, according to the Houston Health Department.
Free COVID-19 vaccinations: Here are 31 Houston Health Department-affiliated sites you can go to this week
Read full article: Free COVID-19 vaccinations: Here are 31 Houston Health Department-affiliated sites you can go to this weekThe Houston Health Department is announcing the schedule for sites offering free doses of COVID-19 vaccine during the week of Aug. 16, 2021.
Mayor Turner, Houston-area school districts push to get families, children ages 12 and above vaccinated before going back to school
Read full article: Mayor Turner, Houston-area school districts push to get families, children ages 12 and above vaccinated before going back to schoolHouston Mayor Sylvester Turner and representatives from the Houston Health Department and several education leaders from different Houston-area school districts announced the “Super Saturday Vaccination Day” initiative Wednesday.
Tracking breakthrough COVID-19 cases in Texas. Here’s what we know
Read full article: Tracking breakthrough COVID-19 cases in Texas. Here’s what we knowAs COVID-19 cases and concerns about the Delta variant rise, so do questions about breakthrough cases or cases where people test positive after being fully vaccinated.
Toxic formaldehyde levels found in the air in neighborhoods near Houston Ship Channel
Read full article: Toxic formaldehyde levels found in the air in neighborhoods near Houston Ship ChannelAir pollution monitoring in 2019 and 2020 show levels of formaldehyde, a known carcinogen, in neighborhoods along the Houston Ship Channel that pose health threats to the largely Hispanic residents living in that area.
Houston Health Department to host COVID-19 vaccine town hall in Sharpstown
Read full article: Houston Health Department to host COVID-19 vaccine town hall in SharpstownHouston residents in the Sharpstown community are invited to bring their COVID-19 vaccine questions to the upcoming Town Hall hosted by the Houston Health Department.
Houston Health Department will allow walk-ins at all vaccination sites starting Monday
Read full article: Houston Health Department will allow walk-ins at all vaccination sites starting MondayIf you have not been able to get an appointment to get your vaccine, now is your chance to get one at your convenience.
Houston, Harris County following feds’ recommended pause of Johnson & Johnson vaccine
Read full article: Houston, Harris County following feds’ recommended pause of Johnson & Johnson vaccineBoth the Houston Health Department and Harris County Public Health will follow a recommendation from federal health agencies that use of the Johnson & Johnson coronavirus vaccine should be paused.
3,000 vaccine appointments opened by Houston Health Department filled
Read full article: 3,000 vaccine appointments opened by Houston Health Department filledHOUSTON – The Houston Health Department opened 3,000 coronavirus vaccine appointments this week and all of those appointments were filled as of Wednesday morning. The appointments were for the first dose of the Moderna vaccine at the Reed Road Parking Lot (2098 Reed Rd. People who show up without confirmed appointments will be turned away. Appointments are based on vaccine availability, and current appointments may be adjusted based on the department’s allotment. Another 1,000 slots were opened Wednesday for Saturday appointments.
5 things for Houstonians to know for Monday, March 29
Read full article: 5 things for Houstonians to know for Monday, March 29COVID-19 vaccinations for all adults in Texas starting Monday, state officials sayHere are things to know for Monday, March 29:1. Texas will receive more than 1 million first doses of COVID-19 vaccine this weekTexas will receive more than one million first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine this week, state health officials said. of State Health Services. The Houston Health Department opened 5,000 new COVID-19 vaccination appointment slots for first doses of the Moderna vaccine. Almost 2,000 vaccine doses have gone to qualifying prisoners as of Thursday, according to the statement.
Update: Houston Health Department’s 5,000 new COVID-19 vaccination appointment slots claimed in an hour
Read full article: Update: Houston Health Department’s 5,000 new COVID-19 vaccination appointment slots claimed in an hour(AP Photo/Charles Krupa, File)Update: All 5,000 of the Houston Health Department’s new COVID-19 vaccination appointments were claimed about an hour after they were made available Sunday morning, according to the department. The Houston Health Department opened 5,000 new COVID-19 vaccination appointment slots for first doses of the Moderna vaccine. The appointment portal will close when the slots are full. Appointment registration is available by phone for residents 60 and older through the Area Agency on Aging at 832-393-4301. Anyone else who needs registration assistance can contact the COVID-19 call center at 832-393-4220.
5 things for Houstonians to know for Monday, March 22
Read full article: 5 things for Houstonians to know for Monday, March 22More than 60,000 doses sent to vaccine hubs in Houston area this weekHere are things to know for Monday, March 22:1. The appointments are for the Johnson & Johnson vaccine at Bayou City Event Center or the first doses of Moderna vaccine at Delmar Stadium and The Parking Spot. As of Monday morning, all of the Johnson & Johnson appointments had been filled. People eligible for vaccination under the Texas Department of State Health Services criteria can visit HoustonEmergency.org/covid19 or the following direct links to self-register. AstraZeneca says US trial data shows vaccine 79% effectiveAstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine provided strong protection against sickness and eliminated hospitalizations and deaths from the disease, including in older adults, in final-stage U.S. testing, the company announced Monday.
Vaccine appointments full after Houston Health Department opens 13,000 slots over the weekend
Read full article: Vaccine appointments full after Houston Health Department opens 13,000 slots over the weekendAll rights reserved)Dr Talib Abubacker prepares a does of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine, at the Guru Nanak Gurdwara Sikh temple, on the day the first Vaisakhi Vaccine Clinic is launched, in Luton, England, Sunday, March 21, 2021. (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali)HOUSTON – The Houston Health Department opened 13,070 new COVID-19 vaccination appointment slots on Sunday for the week of March 22-27. The appointments are for the Johnson & Johnson vaccine at Bayou City Event Center or the first doses of Moderna vaccine at Delmar Stadium and The Parking Spot. All of the Johnson & Johnson appointments had been filled by Monday morning. The department sent appointment invitations to about 80,000 people on its vaccine waitlists with a response rate of approximately 35%.
Second doses of Pfizer vaccine coming to NRG. Here is what you need to know.
Read full article: Second doses of Pfizer vaccine coming to NRG. Here is what you need to know.HOUSTON – The Houston Health Department and Harris County Public Health announced Tuesday that scheduling will begin for the second dose of the Pfizer vaccine at NRG Park. Those who do not respond or provided a landline instead of a cell phone will receive a phone call to schedule the second dose. Anyone who does not receive a call or text 48 hours before the second dose due date is asked to contact (832) 393-4301. Harris County Public HealthThose in this group will receive a phone call, text or email the day before the second dose due date to schedule their second dose. AdPeople will be able to schedule an appointment for the second day or in the next three consecutive days following the second dose due date.
More contagious variant of COVID-19 found to be widespread in Houston wastewater, city health officials say
Read full article: More contagious variant of COVID-19 found to be widespread in Houston wastewater, city health officials sayHOUSTON – The Houston Health Department announced Monday the U.K. variant (B.1.1.7) of the virus that causes COVID-19 was found in most of the city’s wastewater treatment plants. Wastewater samples collected on Feb. 22, detected the U.K. variant at 31 of the city’s 39 wastewater treatment plants. “The prevalence of the U.K. variant in our wastewater shows it’s actively spreading in our city,” said Dr. David Persse, chief medical officer for the city of Houston. People who have COVID-19 shed virus in their feces, regardless of symptoms, the Health Department said. Nine cases of the U.K. variant, one case of the South African variant, two cases of the Brazil variant, and 11 cases of the California variant are currently confirmed in Houston, according to the department’s news release Monday.
Concrete Cowboy cancels ‘mask off’ party and closes its venues ahead of Wednesday, Mayor Turner announces
Read full article: Concrete Cowboy cancels ‘mask off’ party and closes its venues ahead of Wednesday, Mayor Turner announcesTurner encouraged all Houston-area business to continue to enforce the mask policy, despite Abbott’s order. — Sylvester Turner (@SylvesterTurner) March 8, 2021The Houston Health Department announced that the city’s COVID-19 positivity rate is 13.1%, which is up from last week. During the news conference, the Houston Health Department said the U.K. COVID-19 variant was growing in Houston’s wastewater. On Feb. 8, the U.K. COVID-19 strand was found in 21 of the 39 wastewater plants in the city, according the Health Department. The Brazilian and the South African variant was also found in the city’s wastewater, but the Health Department was not able to release the exact measurements just yet.
Houston Health closes waitlist for Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine
Read full article: Houston Health closes waitlist for Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccineHOUSTON – The Houston Health Department announced Wednesday that it opened a new waitlist for its initial allotment of the one-dose Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine but closed it Tuesday, March 9. The department’s original vaccine waitlist is for the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines, which require two doses. The waitlists are used to schedule the department’s allotment of appointments at the FEMA community vaccination center at NRG Park and its other vaccination sites. The Houston Health Department received half of a 12,000 dose allotment of Johnson & Johnson vaccine that arrived at NRG Park and administered it at Bayou City Event Center and its other vaccination sites two days later. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine is not being provided at NRG Park.
Here’s how to sign up for coronavirus vaccine waitlists in the Houston area
Read full article: Here’s how to sign up for coronavirus vaccine waitlists in the Houston areaHOUSTON – Nearly a quarter-million first vaccine doses are headed to the nine-county Houston area this week, including the first Johnson & Johnson shipment, according to state data and Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner. Finally, 42,120 Pfizer doses and 12,000 J & J doses will go directly to the FEMA site at NRG Park where residents on the Harris County and Houston waitlists will be vaccinated. Joining a waitlistThere are 13 vaccine hubs in the Houston area and there are waitlists for each of them. Go to vacstrac.hctx.net or call 832-927-8787 to join the Harris County version of the waitlist. To find information about all of the waitlists for the 13 vaccine hubs in the Houston area, go to dshs.texas.gov.
Fake text messages being sent about Houston-area COVID-19 vaccinations, officials say
Read full article: Fake text messages being sent about Houston-area COVID-19 vaccinations, officials sayHOUSTON – The Houston Health Department said Tuesday that fraudulent text messages are being sent about area COVID-19 vaccinations. A tweet noted that the United Memorial Medical Center’s Delmar Stadium event is only open by appointment and that there is not a vaccination event this weekend at Baker Ripley. ALERT: We're aware of two fraudulent text messages about #COVID19 vaccinations. There is not a vaccination event this weekend at @BakerRipley. Do not provide personal info in response to these messages.
Giving 1st and 2nd doses at once complicates vaccine effort
Read full article: Giving 1st and 2nd doses at once complicates vaccine effortThe clinic opened to help provide second doses of COVID-19 vaccinations. And persistent uncertainty about future vaccine supplies fuels worries that some people will not be able to get their second shots in time. Now many of those people are due for second doses, and states are trying to administer first doses to an expanded pool of recipients. Across Los Angeles County, health officials say limited supplies mean the majority of vaccinations this week will be for second doses. In the state’s Napa County, some appointments for first doses were canceled last week to ensure there would be enough for second doses.
2 coronavirus variants found in Houston area
Read full article: 2 coronavirus variants found in Houston areaHOUSTON – Two variants of COVID-19 have been found in the Houston area, officials announced Monday. Dr. David Persse, chief medical officer for Houston, said two men recently tested positive for the United Kingdom variant of the coronavirus. Both Persse and Minter said they wouldn’t be surprised if more cases of the variants start being reported in the Houston area. Vaccine updateHouston Mayor Sylvester Turner said the Houston Health Department is concentrating on ensuring equity in the distribution of its doses of the coronavirus vaccine. Latest numbersTurner said the Health Department reported an additional 1,005 cases Monday, bringing the city’s total for the pandemic to 163,438.
Houston plans to soon offer self-scheduling for second vaccine doses
Read full article: Houston plans to soon offer self-scheduling for second vaccine dosesHOUSTON – People who are supposed to get their second dose of the coronavirus vaccine will soon be able to schedule that appointment themselves. Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner said Monday that the city’s Health Department has received nearly 42,000 first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine with nearly 34,000 of them having been administered. He said nearly 12,000 people have appointments to get their second dose this week. Turner said the Houston Health Department is currently contacting people directly to schedule their second dose. However, he said the second dose is necessary to get the full benefits of the vaccine.
Houston Health Department prioritizing COVID-19 vaccinations for city’s most vulnerable residents
Read full article: Houston Health Department prioritizing COVID-19 vaccinations for city’s most vulnerable residentsThis week, the Houston Health Department will focus its COVID-19 vaccine allocation efforts on people at the highest risk for severe illness and those in vulnerable communities, the department said in a release. Those who received their first dose from the health department will be contacted to schedule a second dose appointment. Houston Health department appointments are currently full based on supply. The department urges residents not to contact the city’s COVID-19 call center about first dose appointments because no slots are currently available. AdWhen first dose vaccination appointments are available, the appointment portal for Houston Health Department vaccine clinics will open at HoustonEmergency.org/covid19.
Houston Health Department working to vaccinate most vulnerable communities
Read full article: Houston Health Department working to vaccinate most vulnerable communitiesHOUSTON – On Thursday, the Houston Health Department received 9,000 additional doses. They’re focusing on vaccinating people at the highest risk levels and those in our most vulnerable communities. “Really we are trying to save lives,” said Stephen Williams, the director of the Houston Health Department. The Health Department shared a graphic with KPRC 2 News. AdThe department will provide approximately 5,300 doses to the Area Agency on Aging, 2,400 for providers in vulnerable communities, and 1,300 for previously scheduled appointments.
Houston Health Department opens first drive-thru COVID-19 vaccination site
Read full article: Houston Health Department opens first drive-thru COVID-19 vaccination siteHOUSTON – Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner announced Monday that the Houston Health Department has opened its first drive-thru COVID-19 vaccination site. We know that demand is higher than the supply of vaccine,” Turner said. As of Monday, the Houston Health Department says it has administered a total of 31,159 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. The Houston Health Department reports its largest number of cases Monday. The volume of calls about second doses ahead of time is creating long wait times at our call center,” The Houston Health Department tweeted on Monday.