More Texans eligible to receive COVID-19 vaccine beginning March 15

Beginning Monday, March 15, more Texans will be eligible for COVID-19 vaccines, as part of the 1C priority group. Texas DSHS announced Wednesday that people 50-64 years of age, who account for 20% of all fatalities, will be able to be vaccinated as the next most-vulnerable group.

Phase 1A and Phase 1B patients have been receiving vaccines since December, and the state says it will continue to make sure that those in these groups are fully vaccinated.

According to DSHS associate commissioner Imelda Garcia, “We’ve seen a remarkable decrease in the number of hospitalizations and deaths since people 65 and older started becoming fully vaccinated in January. Expanding to ages 50 to 64 will continue the state’s priorities of protecting those at the greatest risk of severe outcomes and preserving the state’s health care system.”

Texas DSHS reports over 7 million doses of vaccine have been administered in Texas so far. At least 4.7 million people have received at least one dose, while 2.5 million are fully vaccinated.