The modern COVID-19 vaccine is ready to be administered in the Houston area with a new group priority

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) – Several Texans have the opportunity to be treated after the latest COVID-19 vaccine shipment arrived Wednesday at Hermann Memorial Hospital in Houston.

The arrival of the Modern vaccine means that Hermann Memorial health officials can move to Phase 1B of the Texas Vaccine Allocation Guidelines, allowing them to treat more people who did not have priority during Phase 1A. The hospital is scheduled to move to that phase next week.

SEE ALSO: The first doses of Moderna vaccine are due to arrive at UMMC Houston today

Phase 1A kits focus primarily on health and front-line workers. Now, other populations, such as first responders, the community pharmacist and school nurses, will be able to schedule their appointments.

For Phase 1B, the priority will be extended to anyone over the age of 65 and to anyone over the age of 16 who suffers from at least one chronic condition.

SEE ALSO: Texas will prioritize age 65 and older for next round of vaccines

According to the Texas Death Certificate, more than 70% of COVID-19-related deaths were from people 65 and older.

Memorial Hermann said that from the new phase, it will allow the vaccine to be distributed to a wider range of people, it is expected to begin to protect a number of critical populations who are at increased risk of catching the virus due to their profession.

SEE ALSO: 8 million Texans fall into the next COVID-19 vaccination group