HOUSTON — The Arctic blast is already affecting COVID-19 testing and vaccination operations.
Several clinics have either been canceled or rescheduled during the next week.
Many people are wondering what impact the freeze will have on their scheduled vaccinations this weekend and next week.
Some health officials say they’ve already canceled vaccinations. Others say their plans haven’t changed.
As that nasty weather begins to roll in, it’s hard to think thousands of people will still be lining up for their shots in a few days.
Here are the updates KHOU 11 has received so far:
Harris County Public Health pauses COVID-19 testing and vaccinations
The Harris County Public Health Department announced they are pausing COVID-19 testing operations and not scheduling vaccine appointments for Sunday, Monday and Tuesday, Feb. 14-16.
This is due to the winter weather forecasted for early next week.
The spokesperson for the health department said if you have an appointment already scheduled for any of these days, you will be notified of any changes.
Houston Health Department COVID-19 vaccination updates
Houston Health Department COVID testing and vaccination sites are closed Monday and Tuesday due to inclement weather. People with appointments will be contacted to reschedule.
Memorial Hermann reschedules vaccine drive-thru clinics
Memorial Hermann made the decision to cancel its previously-scheduled Monday, Feb. 15 COVID-19 Vaccine Drive-Thru Clinic at NRG Park. Anyone who was originally scheduled to receive their second dose on Feb. 15, has been automatically rescheduled for a drive-thru clinic at NRG Park on Tuesday, Feb. 16. Again, all affected individuals have been directly notified by Memorial Hermann of this change and sent new appointment confirmations.
Fort Bend County Health Department COVID-19 vaccination updates
All Fort Bend County Health & Human Services (FBCHHS) COVID-19 test sites will be open on Saturday, Feb. 13. COVID-19 vaccination appointments will continue as scheduled for this week. Due to the inclement weather forecasted for next week, all FBCHHS COVID-19 test and vaccination sites will be closed on Monday, Feb. 15 and Tuesday, Feb. 16. Patients will be rescheduled accordingly.
Montgomery County Health Department COVID-19 vaccination updates
A spokeswoman with the Montgomery County Health Department says they do not have any vaccination sites set up for Monday. She says the department is communicating with the National Weather Service and will let people know if appointments need to be changed later in the week.
Arctic blast affecting Southeast Texas
The KHOU 11 Weather Team reports that a high impact winter storm is possible on Monday with ice, sleet and possibly even snow. In Southeast Texas, the latest computer models show we could see temperatures dip below 20 — the lowest we've seen in decades.
It's too soon to know for sure which areas in Houston specifically will see ice or snow or a wintry mix, if anyone, but it will be dangerously cold either way.