Lamb County Judge James M. DeLoach, in cooperation with the Texas State Department of Health Services, is encouraging all Lamb County residents to be vaccinated against the Covid 19 Corona virus as soon as possible.
As of March 29, 2021, all Texans over the age of 16 were urged to receive the vaccine, which is provided by the State of Texas.
Judge DeLoach stated: “I believe that had the vaccines been available in the beginning, perhaps 1,700 people in this county might not have been infected or would have had milder cases, and 60 of them would still be with us.”
“These are people we know and care about. One was an employee of mine. Her father was infected, and he also died.”
It has been determined that patient number one in Lamb County was an isolated shut-in who was infected at the Doctor’s office or by a family member. This case illustrates the high risk of contracting Covid-19.
Because Texas, among other states, has eased restrictions and new variants of Covid-19 have been confirmed within the state, it is more essential for people to be vaccinated and to continue the recommended precautions recommended by the CDC including wearing a mask when in public places, continuing social distancing and washing hands for 20 seconds frequently. Judge DeLoach reiterated the fact that all private businesses are well within their lawful rights to require masks within their premises. Even though Governor Abbott has opened the state of Texas, these guidelines do remain in place.
The reality we Texans must acknowledge is this pandemic is going to be a fact of life for a while longer, no matter how badly everyone wants it to just go away. The numbers may be down for now, but the public would be remiss to forget that Covid -19 has adapted variant strains, is extremely contagious, and is potentially lethal to those who may be infected by the virus. Many states in the US are currently experiencing a significant surge in cases with Michigan being the hardest hit. The sooner everyone takes the steps necessary to arrest the spread of this deadly disease, the sooner our economy, our everyday activities, our contact with friends and family, and our lives can return to normal.
Information about the Covid 19 vaccines may be accessed on the web at the TSDHS website https:/ /www.dshs.texas.g/coronavirus/ immunize/vaccine.aspx
DSHS has a new IT system called the Client Encounter System (CES) to manage vaccination events. The system includes a public-facing component called the Texas Public Health Vaccine Scheduler (TPHVS) that allows individuals to self-enroll to schedule their vaccination via internet, linking them to planned vaccination events and allowing DSHS to identify/target areas where vaccination clinics are needed. https:// getthevaccine.dshs.texas.gov/ txces/s/?language=en_US
In addition, there is a telephone hotline available for individuals to use to enroll if there are barriers that prevent them accessing the system via the internet, including older adults over age 65, people with disabilities, and those with limited Internet access or other barriers to using technology,
THOSE WHO DO NOT HAVE INTERNET ACCESS MAY CALL THE HOTLINE AT (833) 832-7067
Locally, people may call the LHC Family Medicine Clinic for an appointment.
Large retail pharmacies such as Walmart, CVS, United Supermarket pharmacy etc. in the area are also scheduling vaccinations.
DO NOT SHOW UP AT ANY VACCINE PROVIDER AND ASK FOR THE VACCINE.
Everyone must have an appointment beforehand. Vaccinations are scheduled according to supply availability.
Vaccinations are administered free of charge, regardless of insurance status to everyone over the age of 16 for the Pfizer vaccine and over the age of 18 for the Moderna vaccine.
For those who are hesitant to be vaccinated, it is understandable due to the massive amount of misinformation concerning Covid-19 which is being circulated primarily via the internet, and social media. It is important to note that while we are a nation which enjoys free speech, too often that speech is proven to be inaccurate or blatantly false.
During a pandemic it is vital to seek out reliable information, rather than accepting everything that pops up on social media or random websites or within personal opinions.
When running across items that sound sensational, perhaps it is best to recognize that the item was probably designed and created to do just that—create an immediate, strong response. This is where critical thinking comes in. It is acceptable and wise to question such information.
One example is an item that suggested the Covid-19 vaccine may alter DNA. However, the item cited no verifiable resources to support the claim. The site assumes no accountability. It is also good to note that the more hits and likes an item gets, the more ads it can sell, or the more donations it may generate.
It is best to seek out official websites that are required to be accountable for their accuracy such as the CDC, and Texas Department of State Health Services.
Questions about the efficacy and safety of the Covid-19 vaccines are addressed as their role in public service dictates. These are the guardians responsible for public safety.
To ask questions is not an indicator of low intelligence, but rather the proof that one is intelligent enough to recognize the impossibility of knowing everything. Ask the healthcare provider, research the CDC and Texas Department of State Health Services. Any question is important to your health and the health of those in your life.
As Paul Harvey once said, “Self-government won’t work without self-discipline.” There is no quick and easy way out of this pandemic, and for the sake everyone in our lives, we should not ignore it, and we can do everything possible to protect them and ourselves. We can once again control our lives.