Drug maker Pfizer is seeking emergency approval from the Food and Drug Administration to distribute it's vaccine. The company claims their shot is about 95 percent effective. Governor Abbott has appointed the Texas Expert Vaccine Allocation Panel. They have recommended the first to receive the shot will be health care workers.
Chris Van Deusen with the Texas Department of State Health Services says "those are individuals who either are treating people who have Covid-19 or around people likely to have Covid-19 or those who treat and care for vulnerable populations who are at great danger for severe disease if they were to get it."
He says vaccinating medical professionals protects the state's healthcare system. "It is such a critical time for the healthcare system. If we have a large number of doctors and nurses who can't go to work because they have gotten sick, that really brings the whole healthcare system to a grinding halt just when we need it the most."
Other frontline workers, perhaps grocery and drug store employees, would follow once healthcare workers are vaccinated. Vulnerable populations would also be moved closer to the front of the line.
He says the panel wants to ensure all Texas will have equal access to the vaccine, no matter where they live or how much they earn.
Van Deusen believes initial doses could be administered before the end of the year.
