Unvaccinated Harris County Residents Continue at Risk of Getting COVID-19
Although cases have continued to decline, Harris County Public Health (HCPH) continues to receive reports of cases and COVID-19 related deaths every day. Unvaccinated people remain at high risk of contracting COVID-19, including the highly contagious Delta variant. It is up to all of us to end the pandemic and to ensure that, more people must get vaccinated.
COVID-19 vaccine and testing sites will be closed for the 4th of July holiday, Sunday and Monday, but there’s still time to get your vaccine if you haven’t already. Be cautious when you’re public with your family since most people are not wearing masks, more than half are not vaccinated and some could be infected. In addition, many people who are sick with the virus don’t know they have it. Four out of 10 infected people have no symptoms but are still contagious. Harris County Public Health recommends all adults get vaccinated and that parents of 12-17 year-old children get them vaccinated.
Vaccines are free at HCPH vaccination sites throughout Harris County and no appointment is needed. To find one near you, click here. If you prefer to make an appointment, go to vacstrac.hctx.net or call 832-927-8787.
Twelve to 17-year-olds are eligible for the Pfizer vaccine. They must be accompanied by a parent or guardian to be vaccinated or bring a consent form signed by their parent or guardian. Consent forms are at vacstrac.hctx.net.
Parents with children under 12 should get them tested frequently to see if they have COVID-19. If they are infected, parents can monitor them to make sure they don’t develop serious symptoms and keep them isolated, so they don’t infect others. Testing is free, quick at HCPH sites and results come back in 48 hours. No appointments are needed, click here to find a site near you or call 832-927-7575.