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State stresses 65 and older to be in next phase of vaccine distribution

Tue, 12/29/2020 - 2:44 pm
editor@grahamleader.com

The state is currently in the first phase of vaccine distribution called Phase 1A, which includes residents of long-term care facilities and front-line healthcare workers. The next phase called Phase 1B, will focus on people 65 years of age and older and those with certain medical conditions.

In a press release from the Texas Department of State Health Services distributed Dec. 21, the department wrote that the state will place priority on people who are at the greatest risk of severe disease and death from COVID-19 during the next phase of distribution. According to the release, more than 70% of COVID-19 deaths in Texas have been from people 65 years of age and older, with evidence showing that adults of any age can have an increased risk of hospitalization or death with certain medical conditions if they get sick with COVID-19.

“The focus on people who are age 65 and older or who have comorbidities will protect the most vulnerable populations,” Imelda Garcia, EVAP chair and DSHS associate commissioner for laboratory and infectious disease services said. “This approach ensures that Texans at the most severe risk from COVID-19 can be protected across races and ethnicities and regardless of where they work.”

For the rest of the story, see the Dec. 30 edition of The Graham Leader.