The Houston Department of Health is launching online registration for COVID-19 vaccinations

HOUSTON – The Houston Department of Health on Monday launched an online registration portal that allows eligible Houstonians to schedule meetings to receive free COVID-19 vaccinations.

On Monday, officials said vaccination schedules at the city’s clinics are set for January, and no new appointments are being made at this time. As additional doses arrive, the department is making local vaccination efforts and intends to announce more free vaccination opportunities.

People aged 65 and over and people aged 16 and over with at least one chronic condition that puts them at increased risk of serious illness and death can register to receive the vaccine at HoustonEmergency.org/COVID19. These groups are part of Phase 1B of the Texas Vaccine Distribution Plan. A Spanish version is expected to be released later that day, health officials said.

Front-line health workers who have not received the vaccine are also eligible to register for the shot through the health department, as they are part of the Phase 1A distribution.

People who are considered to be at high risk include people with cancer, chronic kidney disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart disease, solid organ transplantation, obesity and severe obesity, pregnancy, cell sickle and type 2 diabetes.

Appointments are also available through the COVID-19 call center of the Department of Health, by calling 832-393-4220. The call center is open from Monday to Saturday from 07:30 to 16:00, with extended hours until 17:00 on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

For more information on COVID-19 vaccines, visit the COVID-19 Vaccines page at HoustonEmergency.org/covid19.