Here is who is eligible to receive the coronavirus vaccine in Texas in the next phase of launch

HOUSTON – State health officials give priority to the elderly and people with serious illnesses in the next phase of the launch of the coronavirus vaccine.

Currently, only front-line health workers and people living in long-term care facilities are eligible to receive the vaccine in what is called phase 1A.

In Phase 1B, as it is called, the vaccine will be more widely available to anyone aged 65 or over and to people aged 16 or over or with at least one chronic condition. These conditions include, but are not limited to:

• Cancer.
• Chronic kidney disease.
• COPD.
• Heart conditions, such as heart failure, coronary heart disease or cardiomyopathies.
• Transplantation of solid organs.
• Obesity and severe obesity (BMI of 30 kg / m2 or higher).
• Task.
• Sickle disease.
• Type 2 diabetes.

“Focusing on people 65 years of age or older or who have comorbidities will protect the most vulnerable populations,” said Imelda Garcia, chair of the state’s vaccine allocation expert committee and associate commissioner of the state health services department. for laboratory services and infectious diseases. . “This approach ensures that Texans at the highest risk of COVID-19 can be protected between races and ethnicities and regardless of where they work.”

Officials said it will likely be a few weeks before the transition to phase 1B begins, depending on the amount of vaccine offered to Texas and how the vaccine is given to priority populations.

More information can be found at dshs.texas.gov.