Houston Methodist CEO addresses frustrations over vaccine distribution

HOUSTON – Houston Methodist is holding a clinic this weekend, but it is only open to patients in the hospital system.

Other hospitals in the Houston area have deployed similar “invitation-only” clinics, leading to claims of inequity in vaccine distribution.

“We get it,” Dr. Marc Boom, CEO of Houston Methodist. “We understand why people are frustrated. Now everyone wants to get vaccinated. “

Boom said the 75-year-olds and over who were invited to attend the clinic this weekend represent people in all Houston zip codes.

Boom said his hospital is working with four federally qualified health clinics to make sure they delve into some of Houston’s most vulnerable and affected areas. The goal, Boom said, is to reach more people in areas where there has been a high percentage of COVID-19 cases and where most residents are uninsured.

“I think we are working very actively and purposefully to address these issues and to make sure we get vaccines in people’s arms in an equitable, equitable way in our community as quickly as possible,” Boom said. “The state selected us as a hub because we got the vaccines in our arms so quickly.”

According to Boom, Methodist has administered 44,000 first doses and 13,000 second doses of the Pfizer vaccine.

Boom said he is optimistic that there will be a faster acceleration of vaccine arrival in a couple of weeks.

You can watch the full Boom interview below.