Corona virus
E.L. PASO, Texas – The University Medical Center’s West Clinic on Wednesday became the first El Paso facility to administer the Covid-19 vaccine to high-risk members of the general public.
The clinic administered the vaccine to those aged 75 or over for several hours at the event, which was not widely publicized.
The El Paso Department of Public Health announced Wednesday that it is due to arrive soon. Next week, he plans to give the Covid-19 vaccine to El Paso, who is 65 years of age or older, and at least 16 with certain chronic medical conditions.
These plans are in line with recent guidance from the state’s Texas Department of Health Services, which aims to “protect the most vulnerable populations.”
“Because Phase 1B provides this vaccine to high-risk individuals regardless of their field of work or condition, it will protect many serious populations at risk of developing covid-19,” said Angela Mora, director of the El Paso health department.
The vaccine, which first arrived in El Paso on December 14, was only given to front-line health care workers until Wednesday.
In a statement, El Paso health officials said the “next Covid-19 priority group will start vaccinating in the next few weeks,” but did not give further details on the timeline.
Eligibility for health status under the next phase of vaccination will include but is not limited to:
- Cancer
- Chronic kidney disease
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
- Heart conditions, such as heart failure, coronary artery disease or cardiomyopathy
- Solid organ transplantation
- Obesity and acute obesity
- Pregnancy
- Sickle cell disease
- Type 2 diabetes mellitus
Officials indicated that they will be able to advise El Paso once the vaccine is available for the next phase and provide information on how to ensure vaccination appointments on EPStrong.org.
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