Public Health Emergency PreparednessPublic Health Emergency Preparedness

Language Select

In Texas, everyone over 12 years of age is now eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Also, Fort Bend County run COVID-19 vaccine sites now accept walk-up vaccinations! Please click here to view our vaccination sites.

Minor Consent Form: Click here to get the Minor Consent Form 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.

Fort Bend County HHS is excited that the pause, and research that followed, allowed the CDC and FDA to confirm the safety of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. This research found that there were only about two cases of the rare clotting disorder were found per every one million doses of Johnson and Johnson vaccine administered. We are committed to providing safe and effective vaccines that will permit our community to return to the activities we have been missing.

Many residents have been waiting for this vaccine to return to distribution. The CDC estimates that using the Johnson and Johnson vaccine in the United States will prevent more than 2,200 ICU admissions and 1,400 deaths in the next six months. Consequently we will make our supply of the Johnson and Johnson vaccines available to the public. As with all vaccines, we will make sure those who receive the Johnson & Johnson vaccine are aware of the risks and benefits. The majority of the vaccine Fort Bend County receives and administers is Pfizer. Residents will continue to receive the COVID-19 vaccine at our locations at no cost or insurance charge.

Volunteer at a FBC COVID-19 Vaccination Site

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

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

Houston Area Health Alert Network – Case of Measles in Houston Area – August 29, 2018

**FOR USE BY HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS ONLY** – NOT for Public Distribution/Posting as may contain potentially CONFIDENTIAL health information.

HHAN_Measles_08-29-18

A case of measles was recently reported to the Houston Health Department (HHD).  The case was a child between the ages of 1 – 3 years in Houston. This is the first case of measles seen in the City of Houston since 2013.

Persons in contact with the child between the days of August 14 and August 24, 2018 may be at risk of developing measles. Depending on the date of contact, symptoms may appear any time up to September 12, 2018.

Healthcare providers are requested to aid in this investigation by considering measles when evaluating febrile rash illnesses and by reporting suspected measles cases promptly to their local health department. By Texas statute, suspected measles is to be reported immediately.

This case has been in the news media recently. The patient visited hospital emergency rooms, a primary care provider, and hospital in-service — during a period in which the patient was contagious. The HHD is working closely with providers, clinics, and hospitals to ensure staff and clients are aware and take precaution. The best way to prevent measles is to be vaccinated with two doses of the MMR vaccine.  Providers can refer any uninsured or underinsured patients to their local health department.

The clinical case definition for measles is an illness characterized by all of the following:

  • Generalized maculopapular rash lasting 3 or more days
  • Temperature greater than or equal to 101°F (38.3°C)
  • Cough, coryza, or conjunctivitis

Measles cases may present with a nonspecific febrile illness before onset of the characteristic rash.  The incubation period for measles is generally 14 days from exposure to rash; however, it can range from 7-18 days.  Measles is highly communicable, with >90% secondary attack rate among susceptible persons.  Measles may be transmitted from 4 days prior to 4 days after rash onset.  Measles can occur in previously immunized individuals

It is imperative that measles cases be reported immediately.  Healthcare providers must report cases to their local health department as soon as measles is suspected.  Health departments will assist with appropriate shipment and testing of specimens.

The Texas Department of State Health Services laboratory in Austin can conduct measles testing:

  • A blood specimen for serology and throat swab for viral culture or PCR should be collected at the first contact with a suspected measles case. Currently PCR testing is only available through public health laboratories. Local health departments can help to coordinate testing.

 

Again, you are asked to consider measles when evaluating febrile rash illnesses and to report any suspect measles cases to your local health department immediately.

HOUSTON AREA HEALTH DEPARTMENTS
Harris County Public Health Houston Health Department
Telephone: (713) 439-6000 Telephone: (832) 393-5080 24 hr. #
Fax: (713) 439-6306 Fax: (832) 393-5232
After Hours: (713) 755-5000 www.houstontx.gov/health/index.html
www.hcphes.org
Texas Department of State Health Services Galveston County Health District
Health Service Region 6/5 South Telephone: (409) 938-2322
Telephone: (713) 767-3000 Fax: (409) 938-2399
Fax: (713) 767-3006 After hours: (888) 241-0442
After hours: (800) 270-3128 www.gchd.org
www.dshs.state.tx.us/region6-5/default.shtm
Montgomery County Public Health Department Fort Bend County Health and Human Services
Telephone: (936) 523-5026 Telephone: (281) 342-6414
Fax: (936) 539-9272 Fax: (281) 342-7371
After hours: (888) 825-9754 After hours: (281) 434-6494
www.mchd-tx.org/publichealth www.fbchealth.org
Brazoria County Health Department
Telephone: (979) 864-1166
Fax: (979) 864-3955
After hours: (800) 511-1632
www.publichealthmatters.net