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AUSTIN, Texas (KBTX) – Governor Greg Abbott and the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) have announced a plan for the distribution of COVID-19. This plan includes guiding principles for the COVID-19 vaccine allocation process in Texas.
According to Abbott, this describes the state’s initial distribution for the vaccines, which are expected as early as next month.
“These guiding principles established by the Expert Vaccine Allocation Panel (EVAP) will ensure that the state of Texas quickly distributes the COVID-19 vaccine to Texans who voluntarily choose to be vaccinated,” Abbott said. “This basis of the allocation process will help us mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in our communities, protect the most vulnerable Texans, and safeguard critical state resources.”
Texas will initially award COVID-19 vaccines based on the following criteria:
- Protect healthcare workers that play a critical role in caring for and preserving the lives of COVID-19 patients and maintaining the healthcare infrastructure for all who need it.
- Protect frontline workers who are at greater risk of contracting COVID-19 due to the nature of their work providing essential services and preserving the economy.
- Protect vulnerable populations who are at greater risk of serious illness and death if they contract COVID-19.
- Reducing health inequalities due to factors such as demographics, poverty, insurance status, and geography.
- Data-driven allowances using the best scientific and epidemiological evidence available at the time, allowing flexibility for local conditions.
- Geographic diversity through a balanced approach that takes into account access in urban and rural communities and in relevant postal codes.
- Transparency by sharing allowances with the public and seeking public comments.
EVAP will make recommendations on how and when to roll out the vaccine to other critical groups.
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