Accessible Community Portal Logo

Houston Health- General

Getting vaccinated against COVID-19 is the best way to help save lives and ultimately end the pandemic. Since vaccination began, nearly all COVID 19 deaths are among people who are not fully vaccinated, while people who are fully vaccinated can get COVID 19, they mostly experience mild to no symptoms. It's important to keep cases low, so there is room in hospitals for everyone who needs care. This includes people who have had car accidents, broken bones, strokes, heart attacks or other serious medical needs. COVID 19 vaccines continue to undergo the most intensive safety monitoring in U.S. history. The benefits outweigh the known and potential risks, and those are rare. As with other vaccines, you may experience mild side effects for a day or two. This may include pain at the injection site, tiredness, headache, muscle aches, chills and fever. The effectiveness of vaccination decreases over time, so it's important to get a booster shot when you're eligible. Vaccination is especially important for people with underlying health conditions because they are more susceptible to severe outcomes if infected. The Houston Health Department provides free vaccinations and testing sites throughout the city. Locations and schedules are available at HoustonHealth.org or by calling 832-393-4220. Together, we can end the pandemic and get closer to normal.