Abbott Unveils Coronavirus Vaccine Plan
November 23, 2020 3:32PM CST
Futuristic coronavirus cells abstract background with glowing low polygonal virus cells and text on dark blue background. Immunology, virology, epidemiology concept. Vector illustration.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott is revealing more about the state’s plan to release a coronavirus vaccine.
The governor says an Expert Vaccine Allocation Panel has developed guidelines including distributing the vaccine to workers at hospitals and nursing homes along with EMS and home healthcare workers.
Abbott promises the state will be transparent in distributing the vaccine once it’s available along with mitigating health inequities and protecting vulnerable populations.
Texas will initially allocate COVID-19 vaccines based on the following criteria:
- Protecting health care workers who fill a critical role in caring for and preserving the lives of COVID-19 patients and maintaining the health care infrastructure for all who need it.
- Protecting frontline workers who are at greater risk of contracting COVID-19 due to the nature of their work providing critical services and preserving the economy.
- Protecting vulnerable populations who are at greater risk of severe disease and death if they contract COVID-19.
- Mitigating health inequities due to factors such as demographics, poverty, insurance status and geography.
- Data-driven allocations using the best available scientific evidence and epidemiology at the time, allowing for flexibility for local conditions.
- Geographic diversity through a balanced approach that considers access in urban and rural communities and in affected ZIP codes.
- Transparency through sharing allocations with the public and seeking public feedback.
More about:
