Houston Health Department
The Houston Health Department (HHD) is a public health agency that serves the City of Houston and Harris County. The department provides health care services to the uninsured and underserved and promotes community-based wellness. Houston Health Department
The department is made up of a network of hospitals, health centers, and multi-service centers that provide a wide range of services. They include family planning, dental, sexually transmitted disease testing, the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program, immunizations, and many other services.
Houston is home to a large number of medical facilities. The largest of these is the Texas Medical Center, which is a world-class medical facility and has the highest concentration of hospital beds in the country.
As the city grows, more residents are seeking access to medical care, primarily through community-based organizations and Federally Qualified Health Centers. The HHD helps to connect these organizations with a variety of community resources, such as family planning centers, health clinics, pharmacies, and nursing homes.
Vaccine Sites and Hours
The HHD offers a range of vaccination sites throughout the city. Appointments are recommended, but walk-ins are also welcome.
Vaccines are offered in English and Spanish and are administered by licensed health professionals. They are available to anyone over 18 and have a valid health care card.
Monkeypox is a contagious disease that causes skin rashes and sores. It typically lasts for two to four weeks and is spread from one person to another.
There are currently 105 confirmed monkeypox cases in the Houston area. The health department has a number of outreach and education initiatives to help reduce the spread of the virus.
A shipment of 5,024 doses of the JYNNEOS monkeypox vaccine is coming to the city of Houston, as well as to the state of Texas. The vaccine is a two-dose series taken four weeks apart.
The health department has been actively contacting people who are suspected of having monkeypox and asking them to get the vaccine. In addition, they have been providing free monkeypox vaccines to partnering providers, as well as sending information to the community about the disease and the benefits of vaccination.
They also are working to ensure that all Houstonians are fully vaccinated against monkeypox by July 29. If you are unsure about whether or not you need the vaccine, contact your health provider to set up a screening appointment.
Food Inspections
The Houston Health Department inspects food establishments and investigates complaints of possible violations. The food safety ordinance requires restaurants to be inspected at least twice a year. However, restaurants may be inspected more frequently if violations are discovered during routine inspections or complaints from the public.
Those that are deemed unsafe by the city inspectors can be condemned, quarantined, or closed. They must then have their facilities re-inspected before being allowed to reopen.
Sanitation and Environmental Protection
The City of Houston regulates the quality of air, water, and sanitation in the city. The City is committed to ensuring that the environment is safe and clean for all citizens.
