Governor Greg Abbott opens up about COVID-19 vaccination in Texas

TEXAS – Gov. Greg Abbott said Thursday that Texas’ next phase of COVID-19 vaccination could begin in March.

This is because the state has received more than a million doses this week, even after winter storms that have hit the state in recent days have delayed vaccine shipments, the governor said.

And, according to Abbott at a press conference from the coastal city of Corpus Christi, President Joe Biden has pledged to send more vaccines to Texas in the next few days, which would help streamline the vaccination process and expand access to vaccines statewide.

So far, 4.5 million doses of the vaccine against the disease caused by the novel coronavirus have been administered, said Imelda García, the state’s deputy health commissioner for laboratory services and infectious diseases. In a virtual press conference, he said 3.1 million were first doses, while 1.4 million were second doses.

Abbott told the press conference that the number of vaccines the state has received has increased significantly and that trend is likely to continue, especially if Johnson & Johnson’s vaccine is approved.

The Johnson & Johnson vaccination is expected to save time and effort by requiring only one dose, rather than two like Moderna and Pfizer vaccines.

Gov. Abbott added that the National Guard is helping with vaccine distribution to rural counties.

In addition, he recognized the city of Corpus Christi for developing the “Save Our Seniors” (SOS) program, which focuses on home immunizations for seniors who cannot leave their homes due to medical complications. The program is made possible with help from the fire department and organizations like Meals on Wheels, and has been replicated in cities like San Antonio and Victoria.

“A key part of our mission in the fight against COVID-19 is to immunize the elderly and those most at risk, and vaccination programs for the elderly like the one in Corpus Christi are essential to achieve this mission,” said Governor Abbott.

Corpus Christi Fire Chief Robert Rocha said around 2,000 vaccinations have been administered as part of the SOS program so far.

On the other hand, Governor Abbott has announced that he will be visiting a mega vaccination center in Houston with President Biden this Friday. He said they would discuss vaccine distribution in Texas and the damage caused by winter storms, the challenges the state is facing due to inclement weather and the help that is still needed in affected counties.

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