The Houston Health Department reported Sunday morning that all of its COVID-19 vaccine appointments were booked for the day, prompting a warning that residents should not show up at the city’s vaccine clinic.
Health officials said the appointments were booked Saturday through the city’s call center and early Sunday morning by individuals who showed up at the clinic, located about two miles south of NRG Stadium.
City officials did not disclose how many vaccines are expected to be administered Sunday. The department delivered 1,008 shots at its first clinic Saturday. No additional clinic days have been scheduled.
The Houston Health Department received about 3,000 doses of the Moderna on Monday, but demand for the vaccine is outpacing supply.
The city’s call center for scheduling an appointment suffered technical difficulties Saturday morning amid a deluge of calls, prompting the switch to on-site registration. Harris County Public Health took down its vaccine registration website Friday evening after it allowed residents who do not qualify to sign up.
Under Texas’ vaccine distribution plan, the first vaccines are dedicated to people who are working in health-related settings, are 65 years or older, or are at least 16 years old and have at least one chronic medical condition that puts them at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19.
About 365,455 people in Texas have been vaccinated as of the end of Friday, according to data published by the Department of State Health Services. Census estimates show Texas is home to about 3.7 million people who are 65 years or older.
State officials have created an online map for searching vaccine providers, urging residents to call the listed organizations for more information on shot availability.
jacob.carpenter@chron.com
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