Editor's note: This story has been updated to clarify who qualifies for free vaccines from Harris County Public Health.

Harris County Public Health now offers the latest COVID-19 vaccines from Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna, which were updated in September, according to an Oct. 10 news release.

What you need to know

The updated vaccines are free at HCPH centers for all community members without health insurance and those who have insurance that doesn’t cover all COVID-19 vaccination costs, officials said. Individuals who have insurance that fully covers COVID-19 vaccines can visit www.vaccines.gov to find a vaccination site.

The release states the updated vaccines or booster shots are recommended to everyone, and the vaccines are designed to protect against the omicron variant and “other circulating virus strains.”


Quote of note

“With the cool weather approaching this fall and winter, as well as the holidays, it is important for families to stay up to date with their COVID-19 and flu vaccines,” said Dr. Ericka Brown, local health authority for HCPH, in the news release. “The updated COVID-19 vaccines provide the best protection against the most recent strains of the virus, and they are safe and effective for people of all ages.”

Next steps

Appointments for COVID-19 vaccination can be made at http://vacstrac.hctx.net or by calling 832-927-8787. Flu shots are also available and can be administered in the same appointment as COVID-19 vaccines.
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HCPH clinic and site locations can be viewed here or at www.vaccines.gov.