Houston Methodist CEO addresses frustrations with vaccine distribution

HOUSTON – Houston Methodist is holding a clinic this weekend, but it is open only to patients of the hospital system.

Similar ‘invite-only’ clinics have been rolled out by other hospitals in the Houston area, leading to claims of inequality in the way the vaccine is distributed.

“We get it,” said Dr. Marc Boom, CEO of Houston Methodist. “We understand why people are frustrated. Everyone wants to be vaccinated now. “

Boom said those 75 and older who were invited to attend this weekend’s clinic represent people in every zip code in Houston.

Boom said his hospital is working with four federally qualified health clinics to ensure they penetrate deep into some of Houston’s most vulnerable and hardest-hit areas. The goal, Boom said, is to reach more people from areas where there is a high rate of COVID-19 cases and where most residents are uninsured.

“I think we are working very actively and purposefully to address these issues and ensure that we get vaccines honestly into people’s arms as soon as possible, honestly in our community,” said Boom. “We were chosen as a hub by the state because we got vaccines in weapons so quickly.”

According to Boom, Methodist administered 44,000 first doses and 13,000 second doses of the Pfizer vaccine.

Boom said he is optimistic that the arrival of the vaccine will be faster in a few weeks.

You can watch Boom’s full interview below.