Public Health Emergency PreparednessPublic Health Emergency Preparedness

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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

Fort Bend County Health & Human Services reports 5 additional cases of COVID-19, bringing overall total to 24

Fort Bend County Health & Human Services reports 5 additional cases of COVID-19 in Fort Bend County residents, bringing the county’s total to 24.

The 5 new cases are:

  • A woman in her 20s with mild to moderate symptoms. She is recovering in isolation at home.
  • A man in his 50s with mild to moderate symptoms. He is recovering in isolation at home.
  • A man in his 60s who was hospitalized and discharged. He is now recovering in isolation at home.
  • A woman in her 60s who is hospitalized.
  • A woman in her 50s with mild to moderate symptoms. She is recovering in isolation at home.

The epidemiologic investigations for all new cases are ongoing.

“Community spread is occurring throughout the Houston region. Community members need to follow the social distancing ordinances issued by local, regional, and state leaders seriously. They are in place to help keep our most vulnerable residents safe and to minimize the impact on our healthcare system,” said Dr. Minter, Fort Bend County Health & Human Services Director and Local Health Authority. “If you are not sick, you do not need to be tested. If you are sick and your symptoms are mild, please stay home and manage your symptoms as if you would for the flu.”

The public can help:

  1. Do not go to the emergency room unless essential.Emergency rooms need to be able to serve those with the most critical needs. If you have symptoms like cough, fever, or other respiratory problems, contact your regular doctor first.
  2. If you are in good health and have mild illness, stay home, and take care of yourself like you would for the flu.

If symptoms worsen, call your doctor. Your doctor will help make the decision whether you should get tested for COVID-19

  1. Practice healthy hygiene habits every day to help prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses like COVID-19, such as:
    • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
    • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
    • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
    • Stay home when you are sick.
    • Cover your coughs and sneezes. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve, not your hands. Remember to wash your hands after coughing or sneezing.
    • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe
  2. Stay informed. Information is changing frequently. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter (@FortBendHealth) and check our website for regular updates (fbchealth.org/ncov)

Privacy protection laws only permit the release of limited patient information. The health department is unable to release any additional patient information. 

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