NUECES COUNTY — Nueces County’s Judge Barbara Canales is praising this last week’s efforts to get state-allocated COVID-19 vaccines to the most vulnerable residents in the Coastal Bend.
The city of Corpus Christi announced that over 9,000 vaccinations were given to Coastal Bend residents in Phase 1A and 1B. While the mega vaccination clinic at the Richard Borchard Fairgrounds had a rocky start at the beginning of the week, Judge Canales praised the improvement of operations as the week progressed.
“...each day, our processes are getting better and we are delivering more vaccines in less time. We are learning quickly, and we welcome your feedback and suggestions to improve operations,” Judge Canales said in a release.
The judge addressed concerns regarding eligible residents and their lack of transportation to the mega clinic in Robstown, along with the immense vaccine demand and lack of supply.
“We are working to get in-home delivery for these residents using our firefighters, who are also trained EMTs. Additionally, we are working with other providers to run neighborhood clinics.”
Canales said that these efforts would be started when vaccines for them become available. She said that the vaccines for the mega clinic cannot be dispersed to smaller providers due to “rules set by the State of Texas, which established the regional large clinics”.
“Large clinics are more efficient, small clinics are more convenient. As supplies are still limited, we need to be as efficient as possible”.
Although the clinic has been regarded as a success, the judge asserts that there is still a long road ahead when it comes to the supply and demand in the region. With around one million residents in the Coastal Bend, and everyone who has already received their first dose being in need of a second dose soon, along with those who still haven’t received their first doses, demand is high and supply is scarce. Despite this, Canales is optimistic.
“We’re playing offense by getting as much vaccine to the most vulnerable as quickly as possible, and our offense will get stronger as vaccine supplies increase...Together, we can work to defeat the coronavirus”.
The next vaccination clinic on the fairgrounds is expected on Tuesday Jan. 19. For those waiting in line, there will be portable restrooms on-site as well as food trucks. This city encourages visitors to bring things to occupy themselves as they wait, such as books, puzzles, videos, and snacks. They also advise to not forget any important medications you may need while waiting.