Houston Boy's Death Is The City's First Pediatric COVID Death Without Underlying Factors

HOUSTON, TX — A Houston boy between ages 10 and 19 has been confirmed as the city's first COVID-19 death without underlying health conditions, the Houston Health Department announced Thursday.

The boy was white, unvaccinated and died in a hospital in July. The Houston Health Department declined to provide more identifying information on the boy, citing privacy laws.

The boy previously tested positive for COVID-19, but it's unknown if he was infected with a variant of the virus, such as the delta variant. The other six pediatric COVID-19 deaths in Houston were from children with underlying health conditions.

"On behalf of the City of Houston, I extend my condolences to the boy’s family during their time of grief," said Mayor Sylvester Turner in a news release. "The death of a loved one under any circumstance is heartbreaking, especially when we have the power to slow the spread and save lives. I encourage all eligible Houstonians ages 12 and older to get vaccinated and wear a face mask in large crowds or areas where you cannot socially distance."

Health officials are encouraging Harris County residents to get vaccinated and wear masks indoors as the delta variant has caused a spike in hospitalizations in the county.

Residents age 12 and older are eligible for the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, while the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines are approved for those 18 and older.

"This tragedy serves as a reminder that children, even without underlying health conditions, can get seriously ill and die from COVID-19," said Dr. David Persse, chief medical officer for the City of Houston. "Getting vaccinated is not only about protecting you, it’s about protecting everyone close to you, especially your family, from serious illness and death."

Receiving a vaccine is free and does not require an ID or proof of residency, citizenship or insurance. Click here to find a Harris County pop-up vaccination site near you.

The Texas Department of State Health Services has set up a public vaccination website to help Texans register for a COVID-19 vaccine appointment close to them. To schedule an appointment, click here.

National pharmacies CVS and Walgreens also are distributing the vaccine across the country. To check availability in your area and register for a vaccine, click here for CVS and here for Walgreens.

For more information on vaccination locations throughout Texas, click here.