Here is who is included in the next phase of COVID-19 vaccinations in Texas

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Austin, Texas – The next phase of COVID-19 vaccination in Texas will give priority to older residents and people at the highest risk of severe illness and death from the virus, state health officials said Monday.

According to the State Department of Health Services, more than 70% of COVID-19 deaths in Texas have occurred in people aged 65 and over, and scientific evidence shows that adults with certain medical conditions are at increased risk. hospitalization and death in case of COVID-19.

The Expert Vaccine Allocation Panel (EVAP) recommended vaccinating these various groups in phase 1B vaccine distribution to limit deaths caused by COVID-19 and to help reduce the burden on state hospitals.

The list includes people aged 65 and over and persons aged 16 years and over with at least one chronic condition presenting an increased risk of serious disease caused by the virus causing COVID-19, such as, but not limited to:

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

“Focusing on people 65 and older or who have comorbidities will protect the most vulnerable populations,” said Imelda Garcia, EVAP president and associate commissioner of DSHS. “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.”

The state is currently in phase 1A vaccine distribution, which includes residents of long-term care units and front-line health care workers.

There are about 1.9 million Texans in the Phase 1A group, which means that it will probably be at least a few weeks before a transition to Phase 1B takes place.

The timing will also depend on the vaccine supply provided to Texas. You can get more information about phase 1B here.

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