HOUSTON – The Texas Medical Center hosted a briefing Tuesday that provided an update on the vaccine rollout across the Texas Medical Center.
The briefing started at 11 a.m. with President & CEO Bill McKeon and physician experts Dr. David Callender, M.D., President and CEO of Memorial Hermann Health System, Dr. Peter WT Pisters, M.D., President of MD Anderson Cancer Center, and Dr. David Persse, Chief Medical Officer of the Houston Health Department. The briefing provided a city-level perspective on the vaccine’s rollout.
Health experts said they’re concerned about the increasing cases in the area. Health experts said they saw the impact from Thanksgiving and believe the number of cases can continue to grow as families gather for the holidays. Families are encouraged to practice social distancing and take a COVID-19 test if planning to spend it with a “safe bubble” of people.
The next vaccinations will go to those who are ages 65 and older, and those who are 16 and up with a serious health condition or are pregnant. The first vaccines were given to frontline workers. TMC said they will give 8,000 vaccine doses by the end of Tuesday.
Health experts discussed the importance of reaching people of all cultural backgrounds as a way to build trust when recommending they take the vaccine, crediting media for helping to get the word out.
Cancer patients will be able to take the vaccine, however, certain ingredients may have different side effects. Health experts have recommended patients talk to their doctor before taking the vaccine.
While TMC hasn’t decided to limit elective procedures during this time, the thought has been discussed.