Healthcare professionals helping COVID-19 patients who first received the coronavirus vaccine in Texas

Houston – Healthcare professionals who may provide direct care to COVID-19 patients and other vulnerable residents may be the first group to receive a coronavirus vaccine in Texas. Governor Greg Abbott and the Texas Department of Health announced on Monday.

According to Abbott’s office, the coronavirus vaccine will be distributed throughout the state as early as next month.

The news release states: This includes hospital and long-term care staff, emergency health services, and home health care workers. As part of the ongoing work, EVAP makes recommendations on when and how to deploy the vaccine to other critical groups. “

Abbott’s office said the next plan would “guide the COVID-19 vaccine allocation process in Texas.”

In a news release, Abbott’s office will make recommendations on vaccination decisions, including identifying the first group to be vaccinated to provide maximum protection for vulnerable populations and critical state resources. Said that the principles were established by the Expert Vaccine Allocation Panel created by DSHS.

“These guiding principles established by the Expert Vaccine Allocation Panel ensure that Texas will promptly distribute the COVID-19 vaccine to Texas people who choose to be vaccinated voluntarily,” Abbott said. Is reportedly mentioned in the news release. “The foundation of this allocation process helps mitigate the COVID-19 epidemic in the community, protect the most vulnerable Texans, and conserve critical state resources.”

Texas will initially allocate the COVID-19 vaccine based on 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.

This is a classification of healthcare professionals based on news releases from the state.

Phase 1A: Definition of healthcare professionals

1st layer

1. Hospital staff working directly with patients who are COVID-19 positive or at high risk for COVID-19. Included: a. Doctors, nurses, respiratory therapists and other support staff (such as administrative staff) b. Additional clinical staff to support laboratories, pharmacies, diagnostics and / or rehabilitation services 2. Care staff working directly with vulnerable residents. Included: a. Direct care providers for nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and state-sponsored living centers b.Doctors, nurses, personal care assistants, management, food service staff 3. EMS providers engaged in 9-1-1 emergency services such as pre-hospital care and transportation 4. Home care including hospices care that interacts directly with vulnerable people Workers and high-risk patients

2nd layer

1. Outpatient clinic staff interacting with symptomatic patients. Included: a. Doctors, nurses and other support staff (administrative staff, etc.) b. Clinical staff c who provide diagnostic, laboratory, and / or rehabilitation services. Non-9-1-1 transport for routine care 2. Direct care staff in self-sustaining emergency medical facilities and emergency medical clinics 3. Clients such as vaccinations and tests for individuals who may have COVID 4 Regional pharmacy staff who may provide services directly to. Public health and emergency response staff directly involved in the management of COVID testing and vaccination 5. The last responder to provide death or death services to the decedent of COVID-19. Included: a. Preservatives and funeral home workers in direct contact with the decedent b.Coroners and other certified medical personnel in direct contact with the decedent 6. Yogo teachers providing medical care to students and teachers

The Texas Hospital Association shared this statement on Monday in response to Abbott’s plans.

“The speed, thoughts, and teamwork incorporated into the state’s vaccine program are tremendous, and we are grateful to see the highest claims of healthcare workers approaching each day with the weight of this deadly illness. Protecting healthcare professionals is an important step in ensuring a healthy workforce that can treat people with serious illnesses.

“With well-planned, imminent vaccines, and better treatment protocols, the light can begin to appear at the end of the tunnel. We include doctors, nurses, respiratory therapists, and other clinical and support staff. We are confident in the state’s plan to have hospital staff work with high-risk patients in the first phase of vaccine allocation.

“As a temporary member of the Expert Vaccine Allocation Panel, the Texas Hospital Association praises the group’s activities and continues to seek the resources needed to protect itself and its families while hospital workers work on the front lines. We will continue to flex our resources and trigger additional staffing to ensure that people receive the care they need, but public prevention must remain strong.

“Until vaccinated, our main focus is to remind the public of their role in preventing malaise and maintaining safety. Wear masks and stay socially distant. Avoiding large gatherings is an important step in combating the spread of the disease. With over 8,000 hospitalizations and an ever-increasing number of cases, Texas hospitals are preparing for the holiday season. Be wary of additional hotspots.

“On behalf of nearly 500 Texas hospitals and their employees, THA takes strict precautions and vigilance on all precautions to ensure that hospitals are ready and provide assistance to those in need. I urge the people not to neglect. “