COVID-19 Vaccine Information
HCPH is now providing bivalent Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine boosters to children 6 months through 4 years of age who completed their 3-dose primary series with the monovalent Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine more than 2 months ago.
 
Please call 832-927-8787 or walk up to any HCPH COVID-19 vaccination site if interested.

If you need help determining when you should get your COVID-19 booster dose, consult your primary care provider or use CDC's booster scheduling tool. 

NOTICE: If you lost your COVID-19 vaccination card and need one, please call 832-927-8787 for assistance.

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Coronavirus (COVID-19) Vaccine Information

HCPH encourages you to review facts and information from sources you trust. Below are links to several resources that offers details about COVID-19 vaccination.



Find Providers Near You

Do you qualify for the current phase of distribution? Get vaccinated at HCPH or explore local COVID-19 vaccine providers in your area.



Become An Outreach Partner

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, public health experts and organizations have been battling misinformation. It is not surprising that as COVID-19 vaccines have become available, misinformation and vaccine hesitancy are also on the rise. 

Our goal is to team up with trusted community leaders to educate Harris County residents with facts rooted in science about these vaccines. We know that we cannot undertake this task alone, so we ask you to join us to build our community's trust and confidence in the vaccine and better our chances of ending this devastating pandemic.

Find out more in the COVID-19 Vaccine Partner Outreach guide below. 

COVID-19 Vaccine Partner Outreach
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Equitable Vaccine Distribution

HCPH recognizes that as a community, we will only reach herd immunity if access to resources is efficient, fair, and equitable. Learn more about equity in vaccine registration, distribution, and outreach as well as how data helps identify areas with high COVID-19 vulnerability. 

COVID-19 Vaccine Equity Strategy Summary
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How To Be A COVID-19 Vaccine Champion In Your Community!
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Download Guidance

About COVID-19 Virus Mutations
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Healthcare Providers and Professionals

Are you a healthcare provider or professional looking for information on COVID-19 vaccination and distribution? Find details about enrolling as a provider, training programs, and more in our Guidance for Healthcare Professionals resources.



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. 

How much does it cost?

It is free! The federal government will cover the cost of the COVID-19 vaccine. Health care providers may charge you an office visit fee, or a fee to give the vaccine. Health insurance most likely will cover these fees.

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 other local COVID-19 vaccine providers here. You can also join through Harris County Public Health' here.

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. Learn more in the AskHCPH video for Español, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Arabic.

Who will be distributing the vaccine? Who is giving the shots?

The state of Texas will be responsible for distributing the COVID-19 vaccine to local communities. Harris County Public Health (HCPH) has more than 1,000 partners who will receive shipments and vaccinate people when the time comes.

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. Learn more in the AskHCPH video for Español, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Arabic.

Safety and Effectiveness

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
  • 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. Learn more in the AskHCPH video below.


Vaccine Production

What is an "EUA" from the FDA?

"EUA" stands for an Emergency Use Authorization. It is the process that allows the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to quickly distribute medical products - including vaccines, medications, etc. - to those in need during public health emergencies. Under an EUA, the FDA may allow the use of unapproved medical products in an emergency to diagnose, treat, or prevent serious of life-threatening illnesses. Learn more in the AskHCPH video for Español, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Arabic.

Providers

How can my healthcare facility become a provider of the COVID-19 vaccine?
Professionals and facilities may enroll as a COVID-19 vaccine provider at EnrollTexasIZ.dshs.texas.gov. For full details on requirements and the registration process, visit DSHS's Provider Vaccine Information resources. More information can also be found in HCPH's Guidance for Healthcare Professionals.