Houston Independent School District is partnering with local health organizations —as well as nine other area school districts— to host pop-up vaccination sites at schools across the district. These “Super Saturday” events will take place every Saturday in August, starting August 7.

It’s an effort to get eligible students and their families vaccinated for COVID-19 before the start of the 2021-2022 school year.

“Our schools are the heart of our community,” Superintendent Millard House II said. “They’ve served as testing sites, and as vaccination sites. Now, 14 HISD campuses will take part in the mayor’s vaccination efforts this month. If your child is 12 or older, stop and get them the shot.”

The initiative was announced at a joint press conference on Wednesday afternoon at Houston City Hall. Along with House, Mayor Sylvester Turner spoke about the importance of students getting vaccinated.

“I believe in-person learning is the best way to keep children on track,” Turner said. “But our schools need to be a safe place for our children and our educators, and we need to give them the tools to make that possible.”

The pop-up vaccination sites will be hosted by the Houston Health Department as well as the Harris County Public Health, in conjunction with the City of Houston and ten area school districts. Those districts include HISD, as well as Aldine ISD, Alief ISD, Crosby ISD, Cy-Fair ISD, Galena Park ISD, Katy ISD, Pasadena ISD, Spring ISD, and Spring Branch ISD. Each district will have at least one campus participating in the pop-up sites.

“Rest assured, HISD is planning for a safe and healthy return to school. But we need the community’s help,” House said. “The back-to-school butterflies that many of our folks are having can be eased if we pay close attention and get vaccinated.”

To see the full list of pop-up and permanent sites to get vaccinated, visit houstonemergency.org/super-saturday-vaccination-day/. Anyone above the age of 12 is eligible for the vaccine, with no appointment or insurance necessary. Anyone under the age of 18 should be accompanied by a parent or guardian. If possible, parents should bring their child’s shot record. Vaccinations are available at no cost.