Houston Group 1A nurse still awaits COVID-19 vaccine as Texas expands 1C eligibility

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) – Group 1C Texans over the age of 50 can now receive the COVID-19 vaccine. But there are people in group 1A who said they are still struggling to get the first dose.

SEE ALSO: Texas expands COVID-19 vaccine eligibility

Jennifer Darosa loves to be a nurse. He works with a special group of patients.

“I am in home health care. I work with children and adolescents who are immunocompromised, most of them are on a trail and have fans,” Darosa said.

It takes all precautions, especially with COVID-19.

SEE ALSO: Eligibility for Texas expands, but health experts fear impact of vaccine hesitation

“I’m more worried about patients than I am. I mean, of course, I’m worried about myself, but I’m taking every precaution. I’m keeping my circle small, but it’s really about them,” she said.

But despite working with vulnerable patients, Darosa has not yet been able to receive the vaccine. She told ABC13 that she has been trying to get the vaccine since December.

“I think it’s crazy. I don’t understand,” Darosa said.

Darosa said she knows other health workers who do the same thing – she is still waiting to receive the vaccine. Darosa falls into group 1A, which were among the first to be vaccinated and now people in 1C can receive it.

SEE ALSO: What life might look like after the COVID-19 vaccine

“I don’t understand how 1A is not completely vaccinated, but we will open it to more people. It doesn’t make sense to me,” she said.

Stephen Williams is the director of the Houston Department of Health. He says that if anyone in group 1A has a problem getting the vaccine, they should contact them directly.

“We want to finish 1A. We definitely want to do 1B as well. It’s important. We know it’s not a perfect process,” Williams said.

Williams went on to say that’s why the health department is there.

“As a health department, we serve as a safety net, which includes connecting people to providers,” Williams said.

Fortunately, Darosa has made an appointment and will take her dose on March 20.

“I’m comforted. I’m very excited because I never want to be the reason someone ever gets sick. Especially patients who can’t recover,” Darosa said.

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