Coronavirus Texas: COVID-19 vaccine distribution schedule in Houston

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) – Americans could be weeks away from receiving a COVID-19 vaccine, but who will get it first and how quickly will it be distributed to the rest of us?

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Planning for vaccine distribution is very important, and here in Houston, some hospitals have already identified places where the public could get vaccinated.

Houston Methodist is on the list to receive the Pfizer vaccine once it rolls out in mid-December. It will be shipped to them within 24-48 hours of obtaining emergency use clearance from the FDA.

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“We have placed our orders and have been designated as a pre-positioning site, which means we have the facilities and freezers to receive the Pfizer and Moderna vaccine and then be able to break it down into smaller quantities and distribute it to our customers. workers, ”said Roberta Schwartz, executive vice president of Houston Methodist Hospital.

Pfizer’s vaccine should be stored at extremely cold temperatures, so before administering the vaccine, employees should be trained on when to take it out of the freezer and how long it can be left out.

According to the Texas vaccine distribution plan, the first group that is close to getting it are healthcare workers. This includes workers who provide direct care to patients with COVID-19 and vulnerable residents, including staff in hospitals and long-term care facilities.

Once the Houston Methodists can get it out to the public, they’ve got a plan in place.

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“We believe we have located 14 different locations where we will distribute vaccines to the public. We know how many people we can safely pass through it each day and how we would do it. We are working on the last step. you would make your appointment, how you would, ”said Schwartz.

Their hospitals are one of the 14 locations, and a lot has been taken into account to make these locations accessible, such as parking.

With all planning comes flexibility. Schwartz said they were ready to adjust to what could be a big change in a matter of weeks.

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