Houston Group 1A nurse still awaiting COVID-19 vaccine as Texas expands eligibility for 1C

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) – Texans in Group 1C, those aged 50 and over, can now get the COVID-19 vaccine. But there are people in Group 1A who said they were still struggling to get that first dose.

SEE ALSO: Texas Expands COVID-19 Vaccine Eligibility

Jennifer Darosa loves being a nurse. She works with a special group of patients.

“I’m in home health care. I work with immunocompromised pediatric patients, most of them under the trachea and have ventilators,” Darosa said.

She takes all precautions, especially with COVID-19.

SEE ALSO: Texas eligibility rises but health experts fear impact of vaccine reluctance

“I am more worried about the patients than I am. I mean, sure, I’m worried about myself, but I’m taking every precaution. I keep my circle small, but it’s really about them, ”she said.

But despite working with vulnerable patients, Darosa has still not been able to get vaccinated. She told ABC13 she has been trying to get the vaccine since December.

“I think that’s crazy. I don’t understand,” Darosa said.

Darosa said she knows other healthcare workers who are grappling with the same thing – still waiting to be vaccinated. Darosa is in Group 1A, which were among the first to be vaccinated and now people with 1C can get it.

SEE ALSO: What Life Could Look Like After COVID-19 Vaccine

“I don’t understand how 1A isn’t fully vaccinated, but we’re going to open it up to more people. It doesn’t make sense to me,” she said.

Stephen Williams is the director of the Houston health department. He says if someone in Group 1A has a problem getting the vaccine, they should contact them directly.

“We want to do the 1As. We definitely want to do the 1Bs as well. It’s important. We know it’s not a perfect process,” said Williams.

Williams went on to say that this is why the Department of Health is there.

“As a health department, we serve as a safety net, which encompasses connecting people to providers,” said Williams.

Luckily, Darosa got a date and she is expected to receive her dose on March 20.

“I’m thrilled. I’m super excited because I never want to be the reason someone gets sick, ever. Especially patients who can’t recover,” Darosa said.

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