Who can sign up for the COVID-19 vaccine in Texas?

Austin (KXAN) — Texas Health Department On Monday we expanded the vaccine allocation to a new group of people.

Phase 1C provides a green light for people over the age of 50 to be vaccinated. DSHS officials said they have decided to begin assigning vaccines to this group as they account for 20% of all deaths from COVID-19.

However, some Central Texas vaccine hubs and providers have not yet received all of the Phase 1A and 1B vaccines, and many of them report that they have a waiting list in these categories. I have.

Hubs and providers such as Austin Public Health and Williamson County have announced that they will prioritize those who are currently waiting before moving on to the next phase.

The currently eligible groups are:

Phase 1A

• Paid and unpaid workers in hospitals
• Nursing care facility staff and residents
• EMS provider
• Home health care workers, including hospice
• pharmacist
• Public health staff to assist in managing COVID-19 testing and vaccination
• Funeral hall and funeral hall
• nursing teacher

December 14, Texas Received the first shipment of vaccine dose, And then DSHS began distributing the vaccine to people who: Phase 1A.. The first phase was divided into two tiers, with the first tier focusing on frontline workers, especially those working in hospitals with COVID-19 patients and care staff working in vulnerable groups.

The second phase of Phase 1A includes outpatient care staff handling COVID-19 patients, diagnostics, laboratories, clinical staff working in rehabilitation facilities, and non-911 transport, correction and detention facilities for routine care work. Included medical professionals.

Phase 1B

• Those over 65 years old
• People 16 years and older with at least one chronic condition who are at increased risk of serious illness due to COVID-19, including:
  • cancer
  • Chronic kidney disease
  • COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)
  • Heart failure Heart diseases such as coronary artery disease and cardiomyopathy
  • Solid organ transplant
  • Obesity and severe obesity (body mass index 30 kg / m2 or higher)
  • pregnancy
  • Sickle cell disease
  • Type 2 diabetes

Only a month later, DSHS assigned the vaccine Phase 1B.. This phase included people over the age of 65 and people over the age of 16 living with chronic medical conditions that increased the risk of severe complications and hospitalization.

School and licensed care personnel

• Preschool, primary and secondary school workers
• Headstart and Early Headstart Programs (including teachers, staff and bus drivers)
• People who work as or for licensed child care providers, including center-based and family care providers

March 2, White House Issue federal directive Request the state to immediately qualify school teachers, school staff, and childcare workers for the COVID-19 vaccine.Texas Comply with the directive March 3rd, one day later.

“In light of this Federal Directive, all Texas vaccine providers should immediately include these personnel in vaccination management and outreach to ensure that they are vaccinated,” said the DSHS Commissioner. Dr. John Hellerstett told the donor.

“This action does not change other groups that prioritize vaccination in Texas. The burden of COVID-19 puts a very serious burden on people over the age of 65, so we continue to strive to vaccinate the elderly. It is recommended to do. “

Phase 1C

• People aged 50-64

DSHS released the vaccine to Phase 1C on Monday, stating:Expanding vaccination to people over the age of 50 protects the next vulnerable group It promotes the state’s dual priority of reducing the burden of illness and protecting the health care system for those at highest risk of hospitalization and death. “

Austin public health officials hope that at some point next week, those with Phase 1C will have access to the vaccine. We recommend that everyone in Phase 1C enroll and sign up for the COVID-19 vaccine.