The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) announcement that it will stop accepting claims from providers for COVID-19 testing and vaccination does not impact health department-operated sites because they are funded by CDC.

Some health department partner sites now require insurance for COVID-19 services.

“Public health’s traditional role is to serve as a safety net for people without insurance and that’s what the Houston Health Department will do as the COVID-19 pandemic evolves,” said Stephen Williams, director of the health department. “Testing and vaccination are widely available at doctor’s offices, pharmacies, and clinics for people with insurance and the health department is here to stand in the gap for people without that resource.”

Health department-operated sites are located across the city and can be found at HoustonHealth.org or by calling 832-393-4220.