The Houston Methodist will soon begin announcing patients to schedule vaccination schedules

HOUSTON – The Houston Methodist said on Thursday that some patients will soon start receiving notifications to schedule appointments for their coronavirus shot.

According to a plan posted on the hospital’s website, patients who have seen a primary care physician in the past two years will be eligible to receive the vaccine in front of the general public.

Officials said they will soon start notifying patients via text message in the following order:

1. Patients over 75 years of age.
2. Patients aged 65 to 74 years.
3. Patients under the age of 65 who have at least one class 1 condition or at least two class 2 comorbid conditions.

Class 1 conditions include cancer, chronic kidney disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, heart disease (congestive heart failure, coronary heart disease, cardiomyopathy), obesity (BMI 30+), pregnancy, sickle cell disease, smoking, solid organ transplantation or diabetes II.

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Class 2 conditions include asthma, cerebrovascular disease, high blood pressure, use of corticosteroids or other immunosuppressive agents.

The vaccine was first launched for healthcare workers and people in long-term care institutions as part of Phase 1A.

On Wednesday, the Texas State Department of Health said vaccine providers could begin administering the vaccine to people in Phase 1B.

Officials said anyone who believes they fall into any of the groups should contact their healthcare provider to determine if they can get the vaccine.

Dr. James McCarthy, chief executive officer at Hermann Memorial Hospital, provides information on the state of the Houston coronavirus pandemic and how the vaccine will be launched.