Here’s who’s included in the next phase of COVID-19 vaccinations across Texas

AUSTIN, Texas – The next phase of vaccination against COVID-19 across Texas will prioritize senior residents and people most at risk for serious illness and death from the virus, state health officials announced Monday.

According to the State Department of Health Services, more than 70% of COVID-19 deaths in Texas have occurred in people 65 years of age or older, and scientific evidence shows that adults with certain medical conditions have a increased risk of hospitalization and death if they become ill with COVID-19.

The Expert Vaccine Allocation Panel (EVAP) recommended vaccinating these various groups in phase 1B vaccine distribution to limit deaths from COVID-19 and help reduce the burden on state hospitals.

The list includes people 65 years or older i people aged 16 and over with at least one chronic medical condition that puts them at greater risk for serious illness from the virus that causes COVID-19, such as, among others:

• Cancer
• Chronic kidney disease
• COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
• Heart conditions, such as heart failure, coronary heart disease, or cardiomyopathies
• Transplantation of solid organs
• Obesity and severe obesity (body mass index of 30 kg / m2 or higher)
• Pregnancy
• Sickle cell disease
• Type 2 diabetes mellitus

“Focusing on people over the age of 65 or who have comorbidities will protect the most vulnerable populations,” said Imelda Garcia, president of EVAP and associate commissioner of DSHS. “This approach ensures that jeans with the most severe risk of COVID-19 can be protected between races and ethnicities and regardless of where they work.”

The state is currently in Phase 1A of vaccine distribution, which includes residents of long-term care facilities and front-line health workers.

There are an estimated 1.9 million jeans in the Phase 1A group, which means it will likely be at least a few weeks before the transition to Phase 1B takes place.

The timing will also depend on the supply of vaccines provided to Texas. You can learn more about Phase 1B here.

GET MORE OF KSAT VACCINE COVERAGE HERE: