Medical City Healthcare received its first shipment of Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine Thursday and the first doctors, nurses and staff who come into contact with patients got their first dose.
"This is medical history happening. We get to help heal our world with this vaccine. It's exciting," says nurse Karrie Lawson, trauma coordinator at Medical City Dallas.
Chief Medical Officer Miguel Benet says Medical City hospitals received 6,825 doses of the vaccine "with thousands more expected in the coming days."
“Healthcare worker vaccination is a positive step toward controlling this global pandemic. Until vaccine is available for everyone who wants it, it is vital that the community continue to protect themselves and their loved ones with the scientifically proven safety measures of wearing a mask, washing hands frequently and socially distancing. Only by continuing to remain vigilant will we be able to save more lives as we continue to fight this pandemic," Benet says.
"It will protect us and will continue to give us the ability to reach out and help others," says Brian Quinn, chaplain of Medical City Dallas. "So what do we do today? Give thanks to God. Give thanks for one another. Give thanks for the patients and families God has entrusted to our care. Give thanks for this vaccine because it's an amazing gift."
The Department of State Health Services says 91,650 doses of the vaccine had been distributed across Texas through Thursday.
While vaccine distribution has begun, hospitals in North Texas are reporting an increase in COVID-19 patients. Hospitals across the area reported 2,828 patients Thursday, 63 more than Wednesday and 393 more than December 1.
Hospitals had 78 available ICU beds, down from 117 December 1. COVID-19 patients were using 17.28% of hospital capacity.