Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine is ready to be administered in the Houston area with new group priority

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) – More Texans have the opportunity to seek treatment after the last batch of COVID-19 vaccines arrived at Memorial Hermann Hospital in Houston on Wednesday.

The arrival of the Moderna vaccine means health officials at Memorial Hermann can transition to Phase 1B of the Texas Vaccine Allocation Guiding Principles, allowing them to treat more people who were not prioritized during Phase 1A. The hospital will move to that phase next week.

SEE ALSO: First doses of Moderna’s vaccine will arrive in UMMC Houston today

Phase 1A sets focus primarily on health professionals and people on the front lines. Now other populations, such as first responders, community pharmacists and school nurses, can schedule their appointments.

In front of Phase 1Bthe priority will be extended to anyone over the age of 65 and anyone over the age of 16 who has at least one chronic medical condition.

SEE ALSO: Texas prioritizes age 65 and older for next round of vaccination

According to Texas death certificate data, more than 70% of COVID-19-related deaths came from people 65 and older.

Memorial Hermann said that as the new phase will allow the vaccine to be distributed to a wider range of people, they expect it to protect a number of critical populations who are at increased risk of contracting the virus due to their occupation.

SEE ALSO: 8 Million Texans Fall Into The Following COVID-19 Vaccination Group