More Texans are eligible for COVID-19 vaccine than available doses

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) – Demand for the COVID-19 vaccine is growing every day, and there are new attempts to get more doses to the state. Many eligible in the first stage of distribution said they have a hard time getting the vaccine.

Katlyn Reed is 80 years old but cannot find a COVID-19 vaccine. “I have tried to call probably nearly 20 locations,” said the textbook author.

In the ongoing confusion over the introduction of vaccines in Texas, seniors and their families still find it nearly impossible to get a dose of the coveted vaccines.

“There isn’t enough to go around,” said Harry Still, who is on the hunt for a vaccine for his mother. “It’s very frustrating and I want to say it starts with the federal government and makes its way into our local community.”

SEE ALSO: Experts Fear COVID-19 Vaccine Supply Chain May Cause More Delays

Adding to the frustration is that people see that others who are younger or don’t look like they have a medical problem are posting pictures of themselves getting vaccines on social media.

However, the reality is that the main reason for insufficient vaccines is lack of supply. There just aren’t enough doses for everyone who wants one. According to the Texas Department of State Health Serves (DSHS), the state agency has distributed approximately 2.06 million doses.

However, Texas has about 1.6 million health professionals under consideration in Phase 1A. Phase 1B, which includes seniors and those with pre-existing health conditions, includes approximately 9.5 million Texans. So even at best, there are currently only adequate doses for one in five eligible Texans.

But there are signs of improvement. This week DSHS finally turned from a “decentralized” model to a “hub” model.

The decentralized plan originally called for Texans to get vaccine doses from their local pharmacy or their own doctor. But many Texans don’t have a pharmacy near their home or a doctor affiliated with one of the major hospital systems.

SEE ALSO: When Can You Get the COVID-19 Vaccine? Find out where you are in line

Now the focus is on vaccine hubs that can vaccinate thousands of people per day. In Harris County, the Harris County Public Health Department, the City of Houston Public Health Department, and Methodist Hospital are the designated hubs.

“We’re filled for those slots for the hub for this weekend,” said Rob Phillips, the chief arts executive at Houston Methodist. “We hope to get more supply from the state, and we can always do another hub when it becomes available.”

State officials said in a call to lawmakers on Tuesday that they expect the incoming Biden government to release all vaccine doses when they take over next week. Officials say they expect available doses to increase in Texas in early February.

Follow Miya Shay on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.