As COVID-19 vaccines become available to those on the front lines of the pandemic response and the general public, The University of Texas System and The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) are partnering with state and local officials to strongly encourage vaccination.
Who: University of Texas System Executive Vice Chancellor John Zerwas, MD, and UTHealth President Giuseppe N. Colasurdo, MD, will be joined by State Sen. Borris Miles, State Rep. Senfronia Thompson, State Rep. Harold Dutton, State Rep. Garnet Coleman, State Rep. Joe Deshotel, State Rep. Alma Allen, and Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis. Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner will also speak at the press conference. LaTanya Love, MD, UTHealth executive vice president of diversity and McGovern Medical School of Dean of Education ad interim, will introduce the speakers.
What: During the joint news conference, UT System and UTHealth leaders, along with the elected officials, will provide factual information about the COVID-19 vaccines, including vaccine safety, who is eligible to receive the two-dose vaccine, and why everyone who is eligible – especially those in higher risk categories, should choose to be vaccinated.
To allay concerns and demonstrate trust in the safety and efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccines, the elected officials have agreed to be vaccinated during the event by trained health care workers, who also are providing the vaccine to all students, faculty, trainees, and staff at UTHealth. The elected officials represent some of the hardest hit communities in Texas by the virus and are considered higher risk for the impact of COVID-19.
When: Wednesday, Dec. 30, at 10 a.m.
Where: McGovern Medical School, 6431 Fannin, Houston, Texas 77030
Why: To mitigate the spread of COVID-19, the vaccine is the best “shot” to build immunity in the community while we continue to wear a mask, practice social distancing, stay home when we are sick, and wash our hands thoroughly and frequently.
*COVID-19 vaccines have not arrived yet for UT Physicians clinics. When they arrive, we will notify patients.
