Tyler, Texas (January 8, 2021) — UT Health East Texas has filled all available appointments for COVID-19 vaccines designated for high-risk members of the public.
"We had an overwhelming response to the availability of the vaccine, which allowed us to fill all slots," said Dr. Tom Cummins, chief medical officer for UT Health East Texas. "We hope the state will see the great interest by the community and allocate us additional vaccine soon."
UT Health is the only healthcare system in East Texas to be selected by the Texas Department of State Health Services as a mass vaccine location. The 1,500 doses of the Moderna vaccine will be given by appointment only, first-come, first-served basis. No walk-ins will be accepted.
"We are thrilled at the rapid response from individuals ready to come and get the vaccine, and we are working with the state to secure additional allotment of vaccine," Cummins said. "The vaccine is a powerful tool in the fight against COVID-19. The more people we can get vaccinated, the sooner we can get this dreaded virus under control."
As soon as more vaccine is available for public distribution, UT Health East Texas will publicize it through the media and on the health system’s website, uthealtheasttexas.com/coronavirus.
Cummins stressed the importance of continuing to practice COVID-19 safety protocols given the continued community spread and the record number of East Texans hospitalized with COVID-19.
"Our caregivers are seeing the devastation of this virus every single day. We are seeing record numbers of people in our hospitals with COVID-19, so it is still extremely important for all East Texans to continue to do the things we’ve been talking about since the beginning of the pandemic — wearing a mask, washing your hands frequently, social distancing and avoiding large gatherings," Cummins said. "We know these things work to slow the spread of the virus."