The New Year and COVID-19 Vaccines

Happy New Year everyone!!

I know we are all ready for a brand-new outlook on life!  Unfortunately, COVID-19 is still raging throughout our communities at a furious pace. A new, more infective strain has been discovered in recent weeks as well.  The bright side is with technological advances never seen before, several vaccines are becoming available. There are tiers to prioritize immunizations. Healthcare workers, the elderly, and those with serious health complications are the priority at this time. There is a tremendous amount of work to be done to immunize everyone so we can slowly resume the normalcy we so dearly miss. 

Hospitals may be sending out emails to their patients based on age and risk to start the process. Please DO NOT FORWARD these emails to friends and family as each email is specific to the person intended. Sharing this email will slow /stop the process and may lead to the cancelation of appointments.  Everyone must follow protocols, and we must maintain our patience and diligence to ensure everyone gets vaccinated. 

We are attempting to obtain vaccines ourselves to distribute to our patients, but there are several steps to see if we can qualify. We will let everyone know as soon as we can regarding possible availability.  For now, I reiterate the steps to take to protect yourself and your family: wear masks, socially distance, and wash your hands correctly and frequently.  Please do not continue to meet in small groupings outside of the immediate household, especially for the next few weeks as people are getting back from family holiday events. 

I know this marathon is ongoing, but we will get to the finish line eventually.  By now, we all have known friends and family who have suffered from this terrible infection.  For those with minimal or no symptoms, you were lucky. For others with more moderate to severe symptoms, people have told me they wouldn’t wish this upon their worst enemies.  Finally, please say prayers for everyone who has been affected by the loss of loved ones from this virus. We can never replace our family /friends who suffered the worst of all of us. 

Please stay safe during these challenging times and have a Happy New Year!!

Dr. Mazza

* This chart of where we are regarding the vaccination process was taken from the Department of State Health Services. More information can be obtained from their website located at this link DSHS COVID 19 VACCINE INFORMATION.

Author

Dr. Frank Mazza Dr. Mazza has been a Houston resident since 1979. He earned his undergraduate degree at the University of Texas at Austin, and he went on to earn his medical degree at the University of Texas Medical School in Houston. He completed his family practice residency at the Memorial Southwest Family Practice residency program. Dr. Mazza has often been recognized as a favorite local family physician in Texas Monthly magazine and other publications. Some of Dr. Mazza’s favorite hobbies include reading, sports, and music. He and his wife are proud parents of three daughters.