Texas Medical Center provides an update on the rollout of COVID-19 vaccinations

HOUSTON – The Texas Medical Center hosted a briefing on Tuesday with an update on the introduction of vaccines at Texas Medical Center.

The briefing began at 11 a.m. with President and CEO Bill McKeon and physician experts Dr. David Callender, MD, President and CEO of Memorial Hermann Health System, Dr. Peter WT Pisters, MD, president of MD Anderson Cancer Center, and Dr. Persse, Houston Health Department’s Chief Medical Officer. The briefing provided a city-level perspective on the introduction of the vaccine.

Health experts said they are concerned about the increasing cases in the area. Health experts said they saw the impact of Thanksgiving and believe the number of cases could continue to grow as families gather for the holidays. Families are encouraged to keep socially distant and take a COVID-19 test if they plan to spend it with a ‘safe bubble’ of people.

The following vaccinations are for those aged 65 and over, and those aged 16 and over with a serious health condition or are pregnant. The first vaccines were given to front-line workers. TMC said they will give 8,000 doses of vaccine by the end of Tuesday.

Health experts discussed the importance of reaching out to people of all cultural backgrounds as a way to build confidence in recommending the vaccine, crediting the media for spreading the word.

Cancer patients will be able to use the vaccine, but certain ingredients can have different side effects. Health experts have recommended that patients talk to their doctor before using the vaccine.

While TMC has not decided to limit elective procedures during this time, the thought has been debated.