Judge Lina Hidalgo of Harris Co. announces a new waiting list for COVID-19 vaccines

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) – Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo announced a new COVID-19 vaccine waiting list Monday afternoon, in an effort to ensure that those with high priority are not overlooked and the process smoother.

Hidalgo explained the basics of how the waiting list works. Hidalgo was joined by Dr. Sherri Onyiego, the Temporary Local Health Authority for Harris County Public Health.

The waiting list is said to be weighted and randomized, which means that the website does not necessarily prefer the one with the fastest internet connection. As soon as the portal opens on Tuesday, anyone can register.

If you fall under the 1A, 1B or senior group, your registration will be weighted by priority, and then randomized within the priority list.

The launch of this new portal and waiting list expands the previous process by allowing eligible residents to sign up directly for vaccines, according to a county press release.

Eligible Residents without Internet access can also call 832 927-8787 once the portal is live to be placed on the waiting list.

If you don’t fall under these three groups, you can still register, but it means you’ll be on a waiting list for when the vaccine opens to the general public.

In addition to the new portal, the Public Health Service is also launching a COVID-19 vaccine data hub. The hub will display vaccine availability, distribution and other demographics.

SEE RELATED STORY: County Breakdown of COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution