Who will be the first to get the COVID-19 vaccine in Texas?State sets principles

Houston — Read more Promising news about COVID-19 vaccine On Monday, we gained a better understanding of how it will be rolled out across the state when it becomes available.

In the release Texas Governor Greg Abbott And that State Health Department Announced specific principles about who will be vaccinated first. This release did not provide details on when the vaccine would be available, but it did list the factors that would guide the vaccine to the recipient.

As I said over the weekend Vaccines may be available As early as December 12th.

The state says the first vaccine, according to the release, will be given to people who meet the following criteria:

• Healthcare worker protection People who play an important role in caring for COVID-19 patients, maintaining their lives, and maintaining the medical infrastructure of all who need them.
• Protect frontline workers People at high risk of becoming infected with COVID-19 due to the nature of their work, which provides important services and protects the economy.
• Protect vulnerable people If you are infected with COVID-19, you are at increased risk of serious illness and death.
• Alleviate health inequality This is due to factors such as demographics, poverty, insurance status and geography.
• Data-driven allocation Use the best scientific evidence and epidemiology available at the time to give you the flexibility to adapt to local conditions.
• Geographical diversity Through a balanced approach that takes into account access in urban and rural communities and affected zip codes.
• transparency Through sharing assignments with the general public and seeking public feedback.

KHOU’s Anastasiya Bolton has obtained more information about who will be vaccinated first for healthcare professionals. The state divides healthcare professionals into two phases with multiple layers.

Protecting healthcare professionals is essential to caring for COVID-19 and other patients. They get the vaccine during Phase 1A, when the supply of the vaccine is most restricted.

There is a step-by-step system for deciding which healthcare professional is the first.

1.1. These hospital staff work directly with patients who are COVID-19 positive or at high risk for COVID-19.

• Doctors, nurses, respiratory therapists and other support staff (administrative staff, etc.).
• Additional clinical staff to support laboratories, pharmacies, diagnostics and / or rehabilitation services

2.2. Long-term care staff working directly with vulnerable residents:

• Direct care providers in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and state-sponsored living centers
• Long-term facility doctors, nurses, personal care assistants, managers, food service staff

3.3. EMS provider engaged in 9-1-1 emergency services such as pre-hospital care and transportation

4.4. Home healthcare professionals, including hospice care, interact directly with vulnerable and at-risk patients

1.1. Outpatient clinic staff interacting with symptomatic patients.

• Doctors, nurses and other support staff (administrative staff, etc.)
• Clinical staff providing diagnostic, laboratory, and / or rehabilitation services
• Non-9-1-1 transport for routine care

2..Direct care staff at self-supporting emergency medical facilities and emergency clinics

3.3. Local pharmacy staff who may provide services directly to clients, such as vaccinations and tests for individuals who may have a COVID

4.4. Public health and emergency response staff directly involved in COVID testing and vaccination management

5.5. The last responder to provide a morgue or death service at COVID-19.

• Preservatives and funeral home workers in direct contact with the decedent
• Coroners and other medical certifiers in direct contact with the decedent

6.6. Yogo teachers who provide medical care to students and teachers

“Protecting healthcare professionals is very important because it is the key to the proper functioning of the healthcare system,” Chris Van Deusen, Director of Media Relations, Texas Health Services, told KHOU11. .. Many of them get sick, unable to work, and really hinder the ability of healthcare systems to care for COVID-19, as well as other things that people need to go to hospitals and doctors. Office for. “

Van Deusen said more detailed plans for Phases 1B, 2 and 3 are underway.

Here’s what Texas people can expect in Phase 1B:

“”Indeed, we expect these recommendations to be consistent with the guidelines released today, “says Van Dusen. “Therefore, not only health care workers who may be at high risk of exposure, but also important labor that may be at high risk of exposure must work to keep important infrastructure in the state’s economy functioning. Those also have the nature of their work. And, of course, those who are at high risk of developing a very serious illness when exposed. For example, the elderly and those with chronic illnesses that make them more susceptible to the very serious COVID-19. The person who is. “

According to the DSHS, when the vaccine becomes available in 2021, Phase 3 will make the vaccine accessible to other parts of Texas, including making it available in clinics, pharmacies, or the local health sector. It’s time to become.

The principles were summarized by Expert Vaccine Assignment Panel (EVAP), It was created by the State Department of Health to make recommendations for vaccines.

Texas Health Services Department KHOU 11 reports that about 20 sites across Texas were identified to first vaccinate people when the Pfizer vaccine was approved. Pfizer seems to be on track Offer first COVID-19 (new coronavirus infection) (# If there is no character limit, add parentheses when it first appears vaccine. The company chose Texas as one of the states to test its distribution.