Texas aims to focus on the elderly with the next shipment of coronavirus vaccines

HOUSTON – With thousands of doses of COVID-19 vaccines to be distributed in Texas next week, the state is asking suppliers to focus on people 75 and older.

“The risk really increases with age, so we just want to really focus on that older adult population, 75 and over, in addition to the other priority groups,” said spokesman Chris Van Deusen. of the Texas Department of State Services. .

About one in four Texans over the age of 80 has received the vaccine so far, he said.

“It doesn’t really change eligibility, but it’s a priority among priority groups,” Van Deusen said.

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WellMed focuses on seniors. The East Alief Clinic in West Sam Houston Parkway is set to receive 400 doses next week.

“We have a list and we sort patients by age,” said medical director Manasi Kekan. “Our staff calls patients, contacts family members and informs them only when we receive doses.”

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She said there was a reason to focus on older patients first.

“This is the population that really needs the vaccine,” Kekan said. “I’m at a very high risk.”

The Houston Department of Health also plans to prioritize people at the highest risk of severe illness in the week of February 8th. About two-thirds of the doses he receives will go to the Aging Agency, which works with the elderly.