DSHS announced the state will prioritize those 65 and older, or those with certain medical conditions, for the next phase of the COVID-19 vaccine allocation; Phase 1B. The state is currently in Phase 1A of vaccine distribution, which includes residents of long-term care facilities and front-line health care workers. Due to the large number of individuals in those groups, it will likely take a few weeks before a transition to Phase 1B occurs. DSHS Commissioner Dr. John Hellerstedt said ““All providers that have received COVID-19 vaccine must immediately vaccinate healthcare workers, Texans over the age of 65, and people with medical conditions that put them at a greater risk of severe disease or death from COVID-19. No vaccine should be kept in reserve.” Expert Vaccine Allocation Panel released the following Phase 1B vaccine priorities:
- People 65 years of age and older
- People 16 years of age and older with at least one chronic medical condition that puts them at increased risk for severe illness from the virus that causes COVID-19, such as but not limited to:
- Cancer
- Chronic kidney disease
- COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
- Heart conditions, such as heart failure, coronary artery disease or cardiomyopathies
- Solid organ transplantation
- Obesity and severe obesity (body mass index of 30 kg/m2 or higher)
- Pregnancy
- Sickle cell disease
- Type 2 diabetes mellitus
The EVAP is considering what criteria could be used for later stages of vaccine distribution. According to DSHS’s COVID-19 Vaccine Information Webpage, Spring 2021 is the best estimate of when vaccine will be available for the general public, but that may change dependent upon vaccine production and how quickly other vaccines become available. Week 3 of Texas’ COVID-19 vaccine allocation can be found here.