The Harris Health System will not have a COVID-19 vaccine at noon Friday

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) – The Harris Health System will no longer have a COVID-19 vaccine at noon Friday. The CEO of the safety net health group told ABC13 Thursday afternoon that they are canceling hundreds of vaccination appointments at seven Harris Health locations in Harris County.

Speaking to Ted Oberg from ABC13, Dr. Esmaeil Porsa said, “This is not a way to plan. This is not a way to run a business, let alone a healthcare business. But unfortunately this is a situation you are dealing with. “

Porsa said he has no idea when the state will send more and only finds out when he gets a tracking number that a new shipment is on its way. There was no report from Thursday afternoon.

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“We are serving a portion of this population that has been disproportionately affected by COVID-19 since its inception. It has been that way throughout the pandemic. It is true today. These are the same patients who are not among the first to be vaccinated now because I don’t have access to the vaccine … They have no other options. That’s why we exist. Our mission is to provide care to those in this community who have no other options. We are their only option. “

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Harris Health has vaccinated approximately 9,000 patients in Group 1B. None of them received a second dose, and Harris Health does not have their second dose on hand. They say they are sure they will be sent.

Porsa said patients whose appointments are canceled will be contacted by Harris Health.

ABC13 asked Dr. David Persse of the Houston Health Authority about the Harris Health System’s lack of supply, saying it is largely due to those making the vaccine.

“It sounds like it really is the manufacturer’s limit,” Persse explains. “Moderna and Pfizer are both ramping up production, so it will take a while. I’m not sure when. I’m told it is maybe six to eight weeks when the amount of vaccines available in the United States is a whole,” and therefore each individual state will increase. “

The Texas State Department of State Health Services has told 13 Investigates in the past that delivery problems affect vaccine distribution statewide. We called in on this issue Thursday afternoon and will update when we get more information.

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