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WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!

Fort Bend County residents are invited to complete a survey and/or to participate in a virtual Focus Group about the COVID-19 vaccines and Fort Bend County’s outreach and response efforts.  Please consider participating as we are planning the next phase of our response plans.  Your voice is important to us!  (Please note: Only Focus Group contributors will receive a $100 gift card in appreciation for your participation.)

In Texas, everyone over 12 years of age is eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Also, Fort Bend County run COVID-19 vaccine sites(En Español) accept walk-up vaccinations!

Health Alert!

The DSHS has issued a health alert about the improper use of ivermectin. Ivermectin cannot treat viral infections like COVID-19 and can hurt you. https://bit.ly/2URbdtj  If you have concerns about exposure to ivermectin, please call the Texas Poison Center Network at 1-800-222-1222.

CDC 3rd Dose Guidelines (En Español)

Currently, all of our FBC Health & Human Services COVID-19 vaccination clinics are accepting walk-in visits for moderately-to-severely immunocompromised people seeking to receive their 3rd dose of Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines. Moderately to severely immunocompromised people includes those who have:

-Been receiving active cancer treatment for tumors or cancers of the blood

-Received an organ transplant and are taking medicine to suppress the immune system

-Received a stem cell transplant within the last 2 years or are taking medicine to suppress the immune system

-Moderate or severe primary immunodeficiency (such as DiGeorge syndrome, Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome)

-Advanced or untreated HIV infection

-Active treatment with high-dose corticosteroids or other drugs that may suppress your immune response

People should talk to their healthcare provider about their medical condition, and whether getting an additional dose is appropriate for them.

Minor Consent Form: Click here to get the Minor Consent Form (En Español) if you would like to complete it prior to bringing your child to be vaccinated. All children 12-17 years of age must provide a completed COVID Informed Consent – Minor Form signed by their parent or legal guardian at the vaccination site before they can be vaccinated.  The COVID Informed Consent – Minor Form is also available at each vaccination site to ensure that the child’s parent or legal guardian is able to complete prior to the child being vaccinated.

Please click here to read the Emergency Use Authorization COVID-19 Vaccine Fact Sheets before getting your vaccine.

Community Use of Cloth Masks Help Control the Spread of COVID-19

HHS:   Vaccination Hotline (for questions only) 832-471-1373

First West Nile Virus Case in 2021 Reported in a Fort Bend County Resident

Press Release

First West Nile Virus Case in 2021 Reported in a Fort Bend County Resident

On Thursday, September 2nd, the Texas Department of State Health Services confirmed a probable case of West Nile Virus (WNV) Encephalitis in a Fort Bend County Resident.  Fort Bend County Health & Human Services has investigated the case.  The resident is recovering from the infection. This is the first case of WNV identified in a Fort Bend County resident this year.

West Nile virus (WNV) is spread to people by the bite of an infected mosquito.  As a reminder, please remember that mosquito season starts in the late spring/summer and continues through fall. Fortunately, most people infected with WNV do not feel sick.  In fact, only about 1 in 5 people who get infected with WNV develop a fever or other symptoms such as headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash.  About 1 out of 150 infected people develop a serious, sometimes fatal, illness.

While there are no vaccines to prevent WNV, there are actions we can take to protect ourselves from mosquito-borne illnesses.  They are noted below.

Tips for reducing mosquitoes around your home

Mosquitoes require water for reproduction. The following can help reduce mosquitoes:

·         If possible, dispose of water-holding containers, such as ceramic pots, used tires, and tire swings.

·         You can also drill holes in the bottom of containers such as those used for plants or recycling.

·         Clean clogged roof gutters.

·         Turn over objects that may trap water when they are not in use, such as wading pools and wheelbarrows.

·         Change water in birdbaths on a weekly basis.

·         Clean and chlorinate swimming pools. When pools are not in use, use pool covers and drain when necessary.

·         Make sure doors and windows have tight-fitting screens, no holes, and remain closed

 Tips for avoiding mosquito bites when outdoors

·         Minimize outdoor activities at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.

·         Wear shoes, socks, long pants, and long-sleeved shirts. Clothing material should be tightly woven and loose-fitting.

·         Use mosquito netting if camping or otherwise sleeping outdoors.

·         Use Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellents with one of the active ingredients below. Use mosquito repellents containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, IR3535, or 2-undecanone, and apply according to directions when it is necessary to be outdoors.  When used as directed, EPA-registered insect repellents are proven safe and effective, even for pregnant and breastfeeding women.

·         When using DEET, use the lowest concentration effective for the time spent outdoors (for example, 6 percent lasts approximately two hours and 20 percent for four hours) and wash treated skin when returning indoors. Do not apply under clothing, to wounds or irritated skin, the hands of children, or to infants less than two months old.