Houston Republic

Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner was present at the Harris Health System's Settegast Community Health Clinic, in partnership with the Houston Health Department, as 600 high-risk residents received their first shot of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccination, while also touring the facility.

A press release from Mayor Turner's office said  the mayor's tour included City Council members, state lawmakers and federal leaders "who called on the state to create a fair and equitable vaccine distribution plan that prioritizes minority and underserved communities."

Of vaccinations given so far in Houston, 43% are white, 21% are Hispanic, 14% are Asian and 18% are black, the release stated. Texas' population is 41% white, 32% Hispanic, 5% Asian and 12% black.

The health department does not plan to open any new appointments at this time as it works to focus on people who need the vaccination the most due to being high-risk of severe illness or are from underserved communities. 

"These individuals represent every level of government and communities throughout the city. We are all very much concerned about the disparity and the inequity in distribution," Turner said in the release. 

Turner and state Sen. Borris Miles (D-Houston) said they have written letters to Gov. Greg Abbott "demanding a change in the amount and frequency of vaccine supplies delivered to the city of Houston and Harris County." 

Turner has also partnered with Harris County Commissioner Adrian Garcia in writing a letter to President Joe Biden asking the federal government to bypass the state and send vaccinations to the local communities directly.