COVID Testing
The COVID-19 testing schedule changes weekly, so the best way to know where mobile units are located throughout the county is to visit : https://publichealth.harriscountytx.gov/Resources/2019-Novel-Coronavirus/COVID-19-Testing-Information or Sign up for FREE COVID-19 testing via covidcheck.hctx.net or by calling 832-927-7575.
Help Slow the Spread
Harris County Public Health Expands Vaccine Registration Process with New COVID-19 Vaccination Portal
Participate in the Stay Smart, Do Your Part Campaign to Share Information on COVID-19
Harris County Public Health wants to ensure that all Harris County residents, particularly those in vulnerable communities, are fully informed about what they can do to help us beat this virus -- staying home, canceling gatherings, getting tested, and getting vaccinated. And while demand for COVID-19 vaccines continues to far outpace supply, we know that many residents may be hesitant about the efficacy and safety of vaccines once they are more broadly available. To share correct, life-saving information about the virus and the vaccine, we would like to invite you to participate in the new Stay Smart, Do Your Part campaign. Stay Smart, Do Your Part is intended to recruit community messengers to share evidence-based information to ensure our communities –- particularly vulnerable communities -– feel empowered to act.
Please visit the campaign website for a toolkit, available in English, Spanish, and Vietnamese, that contains the latest information on vaccines, including Frequently Asked Questions and myths and facts about the vaccine. You can also click here for a one-pager on the Harris County registration process to receive the vaccine. www.StaySmartDoYourPart.com
NEW COVID-19 VACCINE WAITLIST PORTAL
On January 26th, Harris County Public Health (HCPH) launched a new COVID-19 Vaccination Portal for residents who meet the Texas Department of State Health Services(DSHS) criteria for receiving a vaccine.
The portal allows individuals to be placed on a waitlist and contacted once vaccines and appointments are available. Eligible residents without internet access can also call (832) 927-8787 to be placed on the waitlist. The call line is available 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday in English, Spanish, and Vietnamese.
Harris County’s new “Smart Waitlist” system does not use a first-come, first-served process for allocating vaccines. In order to ensure fair access for elderly residents, working families, and vulnerable populations, registrants on the waitlist are instead selected through a prioritization and randomization process in accordance with state guidelines. Only individuals who fall under the DSHS Phase 1A and 1B category are eligible to receive the vaccine at this stage. Those who are not qualified to receive the vaccine under 1A or 1B are able to be placed on the waitlist but will not be contacted to schedule an appointment until the State of Texas expands eligibility beyond 1A and 1B, likely not until the Spring or Summer.
Priority phases:
- Phase 1A: Individuals in Phase 1A who register for the waitlist are prioritized before those in Phase 1B to ensure everyone in Phase 1A has an opportunity to receive the vaccine. Within Phase 1A, individuals are selected at random from the following age cohorts, with oldest cohorts prioritized first: 75+, 65-74, 55-64, 45-54, 35-44, 25-34, 18-24.
- Phase 1B: Individuals in Phase 1B who register for the wait list are selected at random from the following age cohorts, with oldest cohorts prioritized first: 75+, 65-74, 55-64, 45-54, 35-44, 25-34, 18-24.
- Future Phases: Individuals who are not qualified to receive the vaccine under Phases 1A or 1B are able to register for the waitlist. However, they will not be contacted to schedule an appointment until the Texas DSHS expands eligibility beyond Phases 1A and 1B.
Once individuals are selected to receive a vaccine, they are provided a link with instructions on how to select a location and time to get vaccinated at a HCPH site.
NEW COVID-19 VACCINE DATA HUB
In addition to the new registration portal, HCPH has launched a COVID-19 Vaccine Data Hub. The Data Hub shows vaccine availability, distribution, and other demographic data. More information about COVID-19 vaccines is available at www.hcphtx.org or ReadyHarris.org.
Please stay tuned for more information and products, such as social media content and public service announcements, to share in the coming weeks.
People Who Receive Services Through Texas Health and Human Services
Click on this link for important information concerning benefits:
SNAP and Medicaid
Due to COVID-19, all SNAP recipients will get the maximum amount for their household size for February. Recipients will also receive a 15 percent increase to their benefit amount through June and will receive their benefit increase on their normal payment date.