Extended group receives first doses of COVID-19 vaccine
People who are 65 years or older, or people with a medical condition that puts them at greater risk for serious diseases through COVID-19, are now eligible to receive a vaccine in North Texas.
ARLINGTON, Texas – Hundreds of the most vulnerable people in Tarrant County wereted no time on Wednesday in getting a COVID-19 vaccine.
In recent weeks, the vaccines have been distributed to health workers in northern North Texas, along with some first responders.
Now with Phase 1B, the pool of fitness in Texas has expanded to people 65 and older and those who are at least 16 years old and who have a medical condition that puts them at greater risk of serious illness caused by COVID-19.
Some of the underlying health conditions include cancer, severe heart conditions, kidney disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity, sickle cell disease, solid organ transplantation and pregnancy.
LINK: Who is eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine in Texas
Rain and cold weather did not stop people like Jerry Frazier and Claudine Orsetti from waiting in line at the Esports Stadium and Expo Center in Arlington.
“I smile under this mask. You can not see it,” Frazier said.
“When we hear the news and see people die, it’s scary and we want the protection for ourselves,” Orsetti said.
But the supply remains extremely limited. Texas was promised 1.4 million doses for December and during the month less than 50% of the inventory was registered as receipt.
In Tarrant County, there are several ways to get the vaccine.
The Arlington Fire Department is holding shots in Esports Stadium. Until they run out of 3000 Modern doses, it’s a first-come-first-served option for those who are eligible.
“It’s a terrible virus. I understand the excitement and happiness of our senior citizens, ‘said Chief Don Crowson to Arlington FD.
Tarrant County has vaccination registrations on its website. From there, people get a clinic. However, it can take a day or longer to get an appointment.
LINK: Where can you get a COVID-19 vaccine in Texas?
JPS Health Network also distributes the COVID-19 vaccine to those who are eligible, but only to current patients by appointment.
“We’re all in this together. Get it and we can get it right. Pour it and get it under control,” said Garry Anderson, a senior citizen in North Texas who was shot Wednesday.
“We are not thinking about it. We want the vaccine and we are here,” Orsetti added.
They were excited to get the vaccine, but realized it was not the end of the pandemic.
“I’m still going to wash my hands. I’m still going to wear my mask and keep an eye on my distance,” Frazier said.
“It will still give me a layer of protection, not completely. I will still wear a mask and social distance to the best of my ability,” Carol Anderson said.
Pregnant women included in an extended group eligible for COVID-19 vaccine
The extended group of people now allowed to get the COVID-19 vaccine in Texas contains pregnant women. But some have reservations. Dr. Shannon Clark is a high-risk pregnancy expert at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston. She talks to Good Day about how the vaccine can get pregnant and mothers who have mothers.
LINK: Coronavirus Continues North Texas Coverage