Who can get the COVID-19 vaccine in Texas?news

Dosages of the COVID-19 vaccine began arriving in Texas last week, marking an important milestone in the fight against the virus. However, it will take several months before vaccine doses become widely available.

For now, limited supplies are reserved for front-line healthcare professionals and certain high-risk populations.

State health officials announced earlier this week that older people and people in good health will be next.

Who is eligible for the next stage of the COVID-19 vaccine in Texas?

Texas is currently in Phase 1A of vaccine distribution. At this time, only front-line healthcare professionals, caregivers and staff are eligible for vaccination.

Phase 1B prioritizes Texas people aged 65 and over and those aged 16 and over who are in good health at high risk of serious illness due to COVID-19. According to the Texas Department of Health, eligibility conditions include, but are not limited to:

•cancer

• Chronic kidney disease

• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

• Heart disease such as heart failure, coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathy

• Solid organ transplant

• Obesity and severe obesity

•pregnancy

• Sickle cell disease

• Type 2 diabetes

Meets Phase 1B qualifications. When is the COVID-19 vaccine available?

It is expected that it will take at least a few weeks for the state to begin vaccination of the elderly and people with chronic illnesses. And still, supply is limited.

There are approximately 1.9 million eligible Texas people in Phase 1A. This is above the 1.4 million doses currently allocated by the state by the end of the month. This means that the state is still focusing its current resources on immunizing health care workers and nursing home residents.

Where can I get the COVID-19 vaccine?

Check with your healthcare provider.

Vaccines are available to a variety of healthcare providers, including clinics and hospitals, but most people can be vaccinated in clinics and pharmacies.

CVS, Walgreens, and PharmaScript work directly with the federal government to provide vaccinations to long-term care facilities. These doses should be started on December 28th.

Earlier this month, Governor Greg Abbott announced that more than 7,200 healthcare providers across the state had registered for vaccines when they became available.

Lone Star is ready to promptly distribute the # COVID19 vaccine to those who choose to voluntarily vaccinate within 24-48 hours of arrival. Thanks to Operation Warp Speed ​​for enabling this historic distribution of Texas size. https://t.co/L17rt9H5ku— Governor Greg Abbott (@GovAbbott) December 8, 2020

How much does the COVID-19 vaccine cost?

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention requires taxpayers to provide free doses of vaccines purchased in dollars. However, the provider can charge an administration fee. This can be refunded through insurance. According to DSHS, people without insurance will not be charged.

For people eligible for Medicare or Medicaid, the federal government will cover the costs and charges of the vaccine.

The Texas COVID-19 vaccination program requires providers to administer the vaccine “regardless of the vaccination’s ability to pay the COVID-19 vaccination fee.”

Who decides who is eligible for the vaccine?

Decisions on how to allocate vaccine doses are made by a state advisory board that includes parliamentarians, state and local health authorities, medical professionals and researchers. Known as the Expert Vaccine Advisory Panel, this group provides recommendations for final approval by Dr. John Hellerstedt, DSHS Commissioner.

Is the COVID-19 vaccine safe?

Yes. Although some Texas people say they are hesitant about vaccines, health professionals and civil servants widely agree that vaccines are safe. Two currently approved developers (Pfizer and Moderna) reported that the vaccine was 95% and 94% effective, respectively.

No vaccine is free of side effects, but both Pfizer and Moderna clinical trials have shown that serious reactions are rare.

Abbott received his first dose of the vaccine on Tuesday and told reporters, “I would never ask Texas to do what I didn’t want to do.”

When will Texas be vaccinated with more COVID-19 vaccines?

New doses of the vaccine will continue to arrive in Texas over the next few months. Public health experts estimate that it will take 6-9 months for the vaccine to become widely available to everyone in need.