Fort Bend County nearing a turning point in fight against COVID-19, health authority says

Currently, Fort Bend County is running four vaccination sites as well as one mobile team, Minter said. The mobile unit is providing vaccinations to residents who are unable to register for a vaccine themselves or are unable to get to a vaccination site, such as residents who are homebound or have no transportation.

For now, only individuals who qualify under Phases 1A or 1B of the state’s vaccination plan as well as school and child care personnel, are eligible to receive the vaccine in Texas. Residents who fall into categories 1A and 1B include frontline health care workers, residents at long-term care facilities, residents age 65 and older or those with a chronic medical condition that puts them at increased risk for severe illness from COVID‑19.

Teachers, school staff and child care personnel were added to the eligibility list this week, which Minter said is a positive step. She expects others to be added to that list in the weeks ahead, possibly including grocery store workers, transportation workers and more.

“We're at the cusp of getting many more vaccines into the community, and we're positioned to push those out,” Minter said.

And when the general population has the chance to get vaccinated, Torres said, he encourages all residents to do so.

“Vaccines do not save lives, vaccinations save lives,” he said.

Minter reminded attendees that the county’s registration system is now open for all residents whether they are currently eligible for the vaccine. Residents can sign up and be put on a waitlist by visiting www.fbchealth.org. Residents without accessible internet or a computer can call 281-633-7795 to register.

“People were very vocal about wanting to be on a waiting list,” Minter said. “It helps them have hope.”

As residents await their opportunity to get a vaccine, it is key that they continue to wear masks and follow safety protocols outlined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Minter and Torres said.

If residents do, Minter said, the county can look forward to returning to a place of normalcy in the months ahead.

“We'll get there,” she said. “We'll get there sooner than you think.”