Houston Methodist Leads Vaccine Roll Out
BAYTOWN — (January 4, 2021) — Long time Baytonian and conservationist Eddie Gray received his COVID-19 vaccine at Houston Methodist Baytown Hospital on Monday, January 4, becoming the first Baytown area resident to receive the shot as part of “Phase 1B” of the state’s vaccine roll out.
Houston Methodist on January 4 began vaccinating patients who are 75 and older and have had any contact in the last two years with a Houston Methodist facility. Dr. Greg Terry, Houston Methodist primary care physician, administered the shot to Gray, 85, on the first day of eligibility for residents identified in Phase 1B of the state’s distribution plan. This group consists of people age 65 or older and those with serious conditions who are at greater risk of serious effects from the coronavirus.
“I think it’s very important for everyone to take the vaccine as soon as it is available to them,” Gray said. “I support Houston Methodist in all they are doing to get the vaccine out to everyone as soon as possible.”
Vaccines are provided by invitation and appointment only. Houston Methodist is notifying eligible patients via text message to schedule their vaccine in the following order:
• Patients age 75 or older
• Patients age 65 to 74
• Patients younger than age 65 who have at least one Class 1 condition, or at least two Class 2 co-morbid conditions
Class 1 conditions include: cancer, chronic kidney disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cardiac conditions (congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathy), obesity (BMI 30 or higher), pregnancy, sickle cell disease, smoking, solid organ transplant and Type I or II diabetes.
Class 2 conditions include: asthma, cerebrovascular disease, hypertension, use of corticosteroids or other immunosuppressive agents.
“Houston Methodist Baytown Hospital is committed to ensuring the health and safety of our community and we are proud to take a leading role in offering the COVID-19 vaccine to Baytown area residents,” said David Bernard, Houston Methodist Baytown CEO. “We encourage everyone to be patient as the roll out continues and get the vaccine as soon as it is available to you.”
If you have questions about the vaccine, Houston Methodist provides a wealth of information at houstonmethodist.org/vaccine.
About Houston Methodist Baytown Hospital
Houston Methodist Baytown Hospital has provided Baytown and east Harris, Liberty and Chambers counties with quality medical care since opening its doors in 1948. The hospital has grown throughout the years with the community, providing comprehensive care at all stages of life. As a health care leader, the hospital is proud to have a fully integrated residency program focused on educating and inspiring future practitioners. Today, Houston Methodist Baytown provides some of the most advanced and innovative procedures while never wavering from its focus on compassionate and patient-centered care. houstonmethodist.org/ baytown.