Fort Bend reopens vaccine sign-ups

Fort Bend County officials announced Tuesday they had received another large shipment of COVID-19 vaccines and reopened online registration to the public.

The county received around 12,000 doses of the Pfizer vaccine on Monday evening, according to Fort Bend County Judge KP George. He said that he expects the county to start receiving vaccines on a weekly basis because they’d been designated as a vaccination hub.

He also hopes a vaccination site can be added to at least one location in each precinct within the county.

“We will continue our effort to vaccinate as many citizens as we can,” George said during the press conference Tuesday morning.

Those who meet the criteria of the state’s Phase 1A or Phase 1B categories may preregister now for an appointment at the new vaccination appointment portal at fbchealth.org

The Phase 1A category includes first responders and health care workers. Those in the

Phase 1B category include persons age 65 or older and those 16 and older with an underlying health condition such as cancer, chronic kidney disease, heart conditions, obesity and pregnancy.

After a person registers online, they will receive an email within the coming weeks prompting them to schedule a vaccine appointment.

“Make sure to check your Junk/Spam folder and answer your phone even if you don’t recognize the number to ensure you get your appointment information,” the county advised in a news release. “If you have any questions about the COVID-19 vaccine’s safety or eligibility guidelines, please visit the DSHS information page or contact our vaccine question hotline at 832-4711373.”

The county announced on Jan. 21 that it had received nearly 6,000 doses of the Pfizer vaccine that it said would allow officials to proceed with shots for some 5,000 residents who had signed up.

The second dose of the Moderna vaccine is also now available, according to a spokesperson from the county health department.

Those who have already received their first dose through the county will get an email or phone call to schedule their second appointment.

“When you’ve got your vaccine, it doesn’t mean there’s no need to follow the CDC guidelines,” said George. “Wear your mask. Keep your social distancing. Avoid large gatherings until we get something we all call herd immunity in our community.”