Turner says future vaccine megasites depend on supply

HOUSTON – Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner said on Monday that future megasites of the coronavirus vaccine will depend on the supply of doses received by the city.

Turner said the city received 8,000 doses Friday morning, allowing the city to open 1,000 additional appointment spots at Saturday’s mega-vaccination spot in Minute Maid Park, where a total of 3,852 people received the injection.

The mayor said he wants to open mega sites on the north and south sides of the city as soon as possible, but is hesitant to announce more detailed plans because he is not sure the city will get another load of the vaccine this week.

“We need everyone to work with a great sense of urgency,” said Turner.

Turner said the demand for the vaccine far exceeds the amount of vaccine available. Turner said once more doses of the vaccine are received, the city will begin opening additional appointment times.

Stephen Williams, director of the Houston Health Department, said of the more than 22,000 vaccines received by the city, 14,297 were administered and 1,900 were transferred to other providers to help ensure equality of vaccine distribution.

The Houston Health Department reported a further 1,460 cases on Monday, bringing the total number of cases to more than 131,000. Three additional deaths, including Jose Rubio, a 27-year veteran of the city’s public works, were also reported, bringing the total number of deaths in Houston to 1,600.

Turner said hospital admissions related to the coronavirus are fast approaching the levels reached during the summer wave.

Dr. David Persse, Houston’s Chief Medical Officer, said that with a current positivity rate of 17.4%, he believes hospital admissions will soon exceed the summer’s numbers.

“Hospitals are really in a very difficult position right now,” Persse said.

Officials again urged people to wear their masks, wash their hands, keep their distance, avoid large gatherings, and get tested.