Texas Medical Center provides up-to-date information on the launch of COVID-19 vaccination

HOUSTON – Texas Medical Center held an information session on Tuesday that provided an update on vaccine deployment throughout Texas Medical Center.

The briefing began at 11 a.m. with the President and CEO, Bill McKeon, and the medical experts, Dr. David Callender, MD, President and CEO of Memorial Hermann Health System, Dr. Peter WT Pisters, MD, President from the MD Anderson Cancer Center, and Dr. David. Persse, medical director of the Houston Department of Health. The briefing provided a citywide perspective on vaccine launch.

Health experts said they were concerned about the increase in cases in the area. Health experts said they saw the impact of Thanksgiving and believe the number of cases may continue to grow as families gather for the holidays. Families are advised to practice social distancing and take a COVID-19 test if they plan to spend it with a “safe bubble” of people.

The next vaccines will be for those who are 65 years of age or older and those who are 16 years of age or older 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 people from all cultural backgrounds as a way to build trust when they were advised to take the vaccine, and credited the media with helping to spread the word.

Cancer patients will be able to get the vaccine, however, certain ingredients may have different side effects. Health experts have recommended that patients talk to their doctor before taking the vaccine.

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