Vaccine Pace Picks Up Slowly

The rate of COVID-19 vaccine administration is slowly increasing in Texas as we enter the second full month of shots going into arms. The Texas Department of State Health Services last weekend reported that about 1.6 million Texans

— overwhelmingly frontline health workers, people over 65 or those with chronic health conditions — have received the first dose. Just over 400,000 are fully vaccinated. The state has received 3.16 million doses so far; nearly half remain to be administered. Texas ranks near the bottom in per-capita doses administered when compared to other states, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of Defense sent 80 medical military personnel last week to Abilene, Lufkin and Eagle Pass to assist in administering the vaccine in those cities. “The medical personnel deployed to our communities will provide much-needed support to our front-line healthcare workers,” Gov. Greg Abbott said in a news release.

The state surpassed two million COVID-19 cases with nearly 36,000 fatalities as January came to a close. A total of 11,473 COVID-19 patients are in Texas hospitals as of Jan. 31, according to TDSHS. Across the state, there are only 753 intensive-care beds available. Even as vaccines are being administered, health officials across the state are urging Texans to wear masks and follow other safety protocols that have been in place since last March.

Grants Available

Abbott and the Texas Education Agency late last week announced the rollout of a grant program for eligible families of children with “significant cognitive disabilities and complex educational needs.” The $1,500 grants can be used to purchase educational resources and services through the TEA’s supplemental special education services program.

A total of $30 million was allocated, which could provide help for up to 20,000 students. To find out if your child is eligible, email the agency at ssesinfor@tea.texas.gov or call (855) 772-3839.