First doses administered at the site of the COVID mega vaccine in Dallas
Monday’s recipients were mostly an older audience that was considered one of the most vulnerable.
DALLAS – The new Fair Park megavaccination site in Dallas administered its first doses on Monday, reporting only minor problems.
One of these problems is that it is not advancing very quickly.
The inauguration of Megasite is a step in the right direction. More sites are coming online, but the process is slow. And putting the vaccine in the hands of providers is even slower.
MORE: Opening of the Mega COVID-19 vaccine site at Fair Park in Dallas
Dallas Fair Park introduced people eager for their first dose of the vaccine.
Monday’s recipients were mostly an older audience that was considered one of the most vulnerable.
“We are trying to put out locations in locations that are traditionally in poor health,” said Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins.
Two other vaccination sites also went into operation on Monday at Eastfield College and Ellis Davis Field House. The goal of each location is to administer 500 doses per day, but they are administered by Parkland and only for its patients.
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The Fair Park website started the day with about 1,800 calls to the general public in groups 1A and 1B.
“We wanted to take people slowly and not overload the system at first,” said Dallas County Health Director, Dr. Philip Huang.
County leaders say the site will progressively increase with a target of 2,000 doses per day and could increase well beyond that. But the county’s statewide distribution this week is just 6,000 doses and probably not enough to end the week.
Together with the Dallas County Department of Health, UT Southwestern has been designated by the state as one of five distribution centers in northern Texas. He received 10,000 doses this week, contacting his most vulnerable patients to receive them.
Additional providers that also receive vaccines include some clinics associated with hospitals, but not pharmacies, supermarket chains or private doctors’ offices.
“Be patient. Apply,” Jenkins asked. “We are going with you.”
Dallas County COVID-19 vaccine registration
As the vaccine leaves the state, county leaders are solving problems at the mega-site, such as the long walk from the parking lot. It is a burden for the elderly with walkers and wheelchairs.
A woman stopped to rest until a wheelchair came to get her. Golf carts are also available to help.
Despite the walk, however, there was a general feeling of appreciation. It is a small shot that is a big win for some.
“I am very happy, especially for my mother. She is 89 years old, ”said Alejandra Villa, who received the vaccine with her mother.
The municipality contacted the state to obtain more vaccines. It is not clear whether they will receive more.
The city says it will open more sites as vaccines become available.
