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COVID-19 Vaccine Information
UPDATE: April 26, 2021
Harris County Public Health COVID-19 Vaccine Sites
NRG Park - NRG Park Yellow Lot, Gate 16
9036 S. Main Street, Houston, TX 77054
Open daily - 12PM-9PM
Note: Pfizer vaccine
Planet Ford Stadium
3802 Cypresswood Drive, Spring, TX 77373
Thursday, April 29 - Saturday, May 1 - 8AM-5PM
Note: Moderna vaccine
UPDATE: March 29, 2021
Who's Eligible to Get the Vaccine Now?
Per the Texas Department of State Health Services: As of Monday, March 29, 2021, everyone age 16 and older is now eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine in Texas.
The state’s Expert Vaccine Allocation Panel recommended opening vaccination to everyone who falls under the current Food and Drug Administration emergency use authorizations. All vaccines are authorized for people age 18 and older. The Pfizer vaccine is authorized for people 16 and older.
UPDATE: March 8, 2021
CDC releases Interim Public Health Recommendations for Fully Vaccinated People – March 8, 2021 – Read here
UPDATE: February 2, 2021
Check out the “Stay Smart, Do Your Part” COVID-19 awareness website, created by Harris County Public Health. The page includes information on COVID-19 vaccines, frequently asked questions, steps to take to protect yourself and your family and much more.
The page also includes an opportunity to sign up for Ready Harris Alerts, providing the latest news, updates and county orders from Harris County.
Visit the page at: https://www.staysmartdoyourpart.com/
Harris County Public Health - COVID-19 Vaccine information - CLICK HERE
Harris County Public Health - How to Register for Vaccination flyer - English and Spanish
Texas Department of State Health Services - COVID-19 Vaccine information - CLICK HERE
The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) has developed an online map of COVID-19 vaccine providers available via the link below. To use the map, find a vaccine provider you wish to visit, call and see if they have a vaccine available for you, and follow the provider's instructions.
Texas Department of State Health Services vaccine provider locations - MAP AVAILABLE HERE
January 2021
The City of Deer Park encourages all residents to stay informed regarding the Coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine options available, as well as the phased availability of the vaccine to the community at large.
Information sources
Several information sources are available to provide information about the vaccine and to assist in finding vaccine provider locations.
First, Harris County Public Health (HCPH) - main number 713-439-6000 - is maintaining a webpage and statistical dashboard for COVID-19 which includes testing information, vaccine information, frequently asked questions and more.
Links to the information are available on the Harris County Public Health homepage, https://publichealth.harriscountytx.gov, as well as through the “Resources” tab located at the top of the page.
The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) also has updated information including a breakdown of who is currently eligible to receive the vaccine (Phase 1A and 1B recipients as of January 2021).
DSHS is also maintaining two databases of information to assist citizens in locating vaccines – a list of COVID-19 Vaccination Hub Providers and a COVID-19 Vaccine availability map.
These resources, as well as frequently asked questions, are available on the DSHS website, https://www.dshs.texas.gov. From the homepage, just click on “COVID-19” and scroll down to the COVID-19 Vaccine Information section.
DSHS can also be reached by phone at 512-776-7111.
Local insight
Dr. Donald R. Metz - Chairman, City of Deer Park Board of Health – offered his insight on the vaccine.
“The COVID-19 vaccination is currently available for healthcare providers, first responders and certain high risk populations, but will soon be available to more groups,” he said. “I strongly encourage all of our residents to contact their doctor and to obtain the vaccination when it is available to their family.”
According to Emergency Services Director Robert Hemminger, dozens of first responders within the City of Deer Park have received the vaccine since it has become available.
“As outlined by the Texas Department of State Health Services, COVID-19 vaccines are associated with a number of side effects, but almost all of them are mild,” he said. “This has been true with the City personnel who have received the vaccine.”
Harris County Public Health – Frequently Asked Questions
The following questions and answers have been copied from the Harris County Public Health website on January 13, 2021. New and updated information may be added to the website periodically, and citizens should look to the page for the latest and most accurate information at https://publichealth.harriscountytx.gov/Resources/2019-Novel-Coronavirus/COVID-19-Vaccine-Information.
About the COVID-19 Vaccine
How is the vaccine administered?
The COVID-19 vaccine is given as a shot, similar to your annual flu vaccine. The majority of vaccines currently undergoing trials require two shots to be effective, with these shots given a few weeks apart.
Why should I get the COVID-19 vaccine?
Based on what we know about vaccines for other diseases, health experts believe that getting a COVID-19 vaccine may help keep you from getting seriously sick. Getting the vaccine is a safer and more controlled way to build protection since there is no way to predict how COVID-19 will affect you. Research has shown that the vaccine is safe and effective.
Availability
When can my family and I get vaccinated?
At this time, HCPH has a limited supply of COVID-19 vaccines that is designated to those working in hospitals, healthcare facilities as well as residents at long-term care facilities as they are the highest risk groups.
For a full breakdown of how the vaccine is being distributed, please visit the Texas Department of State Health Services (website and contact information listed above).
Distribution
Where can I get the COVID-19 vaccine?
At this time, we urge residents to seek the vaccine for their primary healthcare provider or find a location on the Texas Department of State Health Service Vaccine map.
HCPH received a limited supply of vaccines. These were specifically designated to those working in hospitals, healthcare facilities as well as residents at long-term care facilities as they are the highest risk groups.
As the COVID-19 vaccine becomes largely available to the public, we encourage you to reach out to your local hospitals, primary care physician, clinics, and even nearby pharmacies.
What should I do while waiting for a COVID-19 vaccine?
As we wait for the COVID-19 vaccine to become available to the general public, we must remain vigilant in practicing safety measures like wearing face coverings, social distancing, and hand-washing.
Safety and Effectiveness
The COVID-19 vaccine was created quickly. Is it safe?
Yes, it is safe! Although it may seem that creating COVID-19 vaccines has been rushed, safety has been a top priority every step of the way. Vaccine manufacturers have passed through many difficult steps during the vaccine approval process. Clinical trials review vaccine safety and effectiveness, producing data and other information for the U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to evaluate. No vaccine is available for use in the U.S. until it meets the FDA’s safety standards.
Even after the FDA approves COVID-19 vaccines for use, they will continue to monitor possible side effects. There are many systems in place to report bad reactions and side effects. When people report them, scientists and medical experts quickly study them to determine a real safety concern.
What are the side effects of the vaccine?
Experiencing side effects is a sign that your body is building immunity. It is normal to experience minor side effects after getting the COVID-19 vaccine. Some of the common side effects include pain or swelling on the arm where you received the shot. You may also experience fever, chills, tiredness or a headache. Even if you experience these minor symptoms, it is important that you still get the second dose of the vaccine. Getting two doses is the only way to ensure that you have protection from COVID-19.
What serious side effects should I watch for after getting the COVID-19 vaccine?
In most cases, experiencing a fever or pain at the injection site is normal. Contact your doctor or healthcare provider:
• If the redness or tenderness where you received the shot increases after 24 hours
• If your side effects remain after a few days
In rare cases, the Moderna vaccine causes a severe allergic reaction, usually within a few minutes to an hour after getting the vaccine. Contact your healthcare provider immediately or call 911.
Signs of a severe allergic reaction can include: Difficulty breathing, swelling of your face and throat, a fast heartbeat, a bad rash all over your body, and/or dizziness and weakness.
If I get sick after receiving the first dose of the vaccine, should I still get the second dose?
Unless you develop signs or symptoms that indicate you should not take the vaccine after the first dose, you should complete the series even if you develop the post-vaccination side effects to protect against COVID-19. Early studies show vaccine recipients have experienced some side effects after each dose, more so after the second dose.
Will the vaccine be effective if I wait longer than the recommended time between the first and second doses?
Getting the COVID-19 vaccine at the recommended time is very important. Vaccine manufacturers establish the timeframe based on extensive scientific research to ensure maximum protection against COVID-19.