AUSTIN (WBAP/KLIF) – A rise in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations are on the rise in Texas is prompting the Texas Department of State Health Services to again hit the road to promote vaccination.
DSHS will hold 18 pop-up events at Walmart locations across the state to talk with parents and families about the importance of vaccination for younger Texans as they prepare for next school year and as the Delta variant spreads more widely in Texas. Clinics will be held in DFW August 6-8.
According to DSHS, older adults at the greatest risk of hospitalization and death from COVID-19 have overwhelmingly been vaccinated, but uptake has been lower among younger age groups. The department said three-quarters of Texans 65 and older are now fully vaccinated, compared with 40 percent of those ages 18 to 34, and just 26 percent among ages 12 to 17.
“Hospitalizations for COVID-19 are now rising across all age groups. While fewer young people get very sick, they can get and spread the virus, and we are still learning about the long-term effects,” said Dr. John Hellerstedt, DSHS commissioner. “Tens of millions of people have been vaccinated with no ill effects. We know these vaccines are not only safe but also very effective. Achieving higher vaccination rates is essential to eliminating the threat of COVID from our communities.”
DSHS data shows that cases and hospitalizations are increasing, and indicates the Delta variant now accounts for most new COVID-19 infections in Texas. The department is also launching a new television promoting the vaccine.
Listen to Clayton Neville’s story below:
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