Community Corner
Arlington: State Of Texas, City Of Arlington Ready For Initial Coronavirus Vaccine Distribution
The City of Arlington is preparing to distribute the vaccine once it is available, according to state guidelines.
December 04, 2020
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott announced Wednesday the state expects to receive 1.4 million coronavirus vaccines this month, with the first shipment arriving Dec. 14. (Please note, initially COVID-19 vaccines might be used under an Emergency Use Authorization from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.) The vaccines will be distributed to qualified providers, who will administer the immunizations based on pre-determined guidelines.
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The guidelines were developed by a panel of experts across the state and approved by Texas Commissioner of Health Dr. John Hellerstedt. Under the guidelines, the first doses of coronavirus vaccines will be given to “health care workers likely to provide direct care for COVID-19 patients and other vulnerable residents. This includes staff at hospitals and long-term care facilities, emergency medical services and home health care workers.” The panel will make future recommendations as to which groups will be vaccinated next.
The City of Arlington is preparing to distribute the vaccine once it is available, according to state guidelines. Arlington Fire Chief Don Crowson is leading the distribution plan and updated City Council members during the Dec. 1, 2020 meeting.
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Crowson said the City will have the refrigeration units necessary to store both leading coronavirus vaccines. “Once the opening occurs, we want to be ready to move,” Crowson said. The City also has a long-range vaccination plan in place. According to the Centers for Disease Control, vaccine supplies “will increase over time, and all adults should be able to get vaccinated later in 2021. However, a COVID-19 vaccine may not be available for young children until more studies are completed.”
Crowson emphasized the City will continue its testing strategy and mitigation efforts until vaccines become widely available.
Click here to learn more about emerging COVID-19 vaccines and the distribution process.
This press release was produced by the City of Arlington. The views expressed here are the author’s own.
