New Harris Co. 'on demand' vaccine sign-up starts with 55K appointments

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Harris County is transitioning from a COVID-19 vaccine waitlist to a new "on demand" appointment system, as leaders say dosage supply is meeting demand.

County Judge Lina Hidalgo unveiled on Friday the new system, which will launch with 55,000 vaccine appointments for next week.

According to the county, residents who sign up for a vaccine from Harris County Public Health will now be given appointment options after registering for a vaccine while supplies last. Registered individuals will be provided with a choice of date, time and location for vaccination upon registering at ReadyHarris.org or through a hotline at 832-927-8787.

While Texas has widened eligibility to all adults, the county noted vaccine providers are being told to prioritize people 80 years and older.

As of Friday, Harris County, through vaccine supplied by Texas Department of Health Services, has administered 2.3 million vaccines, with 906,806 people fully vaccinated.