What's the speculation on the next tier for vaccinations in Texas? Is there another tranche beyond 1b, or is the next step just to open it up for everyone?

Are any places allowing signup for those not in the 1a or 1b criteria?

Any guesses on when you think they'll open if you further? I haven't seen anything in the news about that.

According to the state's website, groups 1C, 2, and 3 are 'under consideration.'

https://www.dshs.state.tx.us/coronavirus/immunize/vaccine.aspx

1b represents about 60% of the population.

Cactus Jack said:

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1b represents about 60% of the population.

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What? Texans over age 65 represents about 13% of the population. Just how many people are you saying have a qualifying medical comorbidity between ages 16 and 65?

Phase 1B recipients include:

• People 65 years of age and older
• People 16 years of age and older with at least one chronic medical condition that puts them at increased risk for severe illness from the virus that causes COVID-19, such as but not limited to:
  
  • Cancer
  • Chronic kidney disease
  • COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
  • Down Syndrome
  • Heart conditions, such as heart failure, coronary artery disease or cardiomyopathies
  • Solid organ transplantation
  • Obesity and severe obesity (body mass index of 30 kg/m2 or higher)
  • Pregnancy
  • Sickle cell disease
  • Type 2 diabetes mellitus

I would say 30%+ of state is obese and qualifies ?

GAC06 said:

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The Big12Ag said:

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Cactus Jack said:

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1b represents about 60% of the population.

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What? Texans over age 65 represents about 13% of the population. Just how many people are you saying have a qualifying medical comorbidity between ages 16 and 65?

Phase 1B recipients include:

• People 65 years of age and older
• People 16 years of age and older with at least one chronic medical condition that puts them at increased risk for severe illness from the virus that causes COVID-19, such as but not limited to:
  
  • Cancer
  • Chronic kidney disease
  • COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
  • Down Syndrome
  • Heart conditions, such as heart failure, coronary artery disease or cardiomyopathies
  • Solid organ transplantation
  • Obesity and severe obesity (body mass index of 30 kg/m2 or higher)
  • Pregnancy
  • Sickle cell disease
  • Type 2 diabetes mellitus

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This says 9.5 million in 1B.

https://www.dshs.state.tx.us/immunize/covid19/COVID-19-Vaccine-Data-by-County.xls

We're only 1,754,000 doses so far so I imagine we have a ways to go before moving to the next group.

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So about 33% in 1B, not 60%. But you are right, that's going to take a lot of time to get through. I should have been carbo loading the past month to hit that 30 BMI limit.

The Big12Ag said:

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Cactus Jack said:

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1b represents about 60% of the population.

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What? Texans over age 65 represents about 13% of the population. Just how many people are you saying have a qualifying medical comorbidity between ages 16 and 65?

Phase 1B recipients include:

• People 65 years of age and older
• People 16 years of age and older with at least one chronic medical condition that puts them at increased risk for severe illness from the virus that causes COVID-19, such as but not limited to:
  
  • Cancer
  • Chronic kidney disease
  • COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
  • Down Syndrome
  • Heart conditions, such as heart failure, coronary artery disease or cardiomyopathies
  • Solid organ transplantation
  • Obesity and severe obesity (body mass index of 30 kg/m2 or higher)
  • Pregnancy
  • Sickle cell disease
  • Type 2 diabetes mellitus

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Keep in mind the requirement is simply " People 16 years of age and older with at least one chronic medical condition that puts them at increased risk for severe illness from the virus that causes COVID-19" and that list is just some common examples. You'll also include things like asthma, immune suppressed, or people on certain therapies. There's a lot of gray area as to what could put you at "increased risk."

GAC06 said:

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The Big12Ag said:

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Cactus Jack said:

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1b represents about 60% of the population.

---

What? Texans over age 65 represents about 13% of the population. Just how many people are you saying have a qualifying medical comorbidity between ages 16 and 65?

Phase 1B recipients include:

• People 65 years of age and older
• People 16 years of age and older with at least one chronic medical condition that puts them at increased risk for severe illness from the virus that causes COVID-19, such as but not limited to:
  
  • Cancer
  • Chronic kidney disease
  • COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
  • Down Syndrome
  • Heart conditions, such as heart failure, coronary artery disease or cardiomyopathies
  • Solid organ transplantation
  • Obesity and severe obesity (body mass index of 30 kg/m2 or higher)
  • Pregnancy
  • Sickle cell disease
  • Type 2 diabetes mellitus

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This says 9.5 million in 1B.

https://www.dshs.state.tx.us/immunize/covid19/COVID-19-Vaccine-Data-by-County.xls

We're only 1,754,000 doses so far so I imagine we have a ways to go before moving to the next group.

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Yep. I am a nurse in a large cancer clinic in DFW. We have received 1 allocation of 100 vaccines that was allocated for our employees. We have received zero information on if or when we will get any for our over 10,000+ patients.

nhamp07 said:

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BMI of 30 isnt that fat.

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Also misleading. Majority of collegiate student athletes fall into this category.

riverrataggie said:

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nhamp07 said:

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BMI of 30 isnt that fat.

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Also misleading. Majority of collegiate student athletes fall into this category.

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BMI certainly isn't perfect, but it is a simple calculation that works well for most. Everyone is aware of the bodybuilder/professional athelete that is categorized as obese by BMI, but annectodotally (outside of texags at least), this is not really a consideration for the vast majority of people.

CowtownEng said:

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riverrataggie said:

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nhamp07 said:

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BMI of 30 isnt that fat.

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Also misleading. Majority of collegiate student athletes fall into this category.

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BMI certainly isn't perfect, but it is a simple calculation that works well for most. Everyone is aware of the bodybuilder/professional athelete that is categorized as obese by BMI, but annectodotally (outside of texags at least), this is not really a consideration for the vast majority of people.

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No doubt, but think grouping BMI of 30 is still ridiculous with the other underlying conditions of 1B.

riverrataggie said:

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nhamp07 said:

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BMI of 30 isnt that fat.

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Also misleading. Majority of collegiate student athletes fall into this category.

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A good number of football lineman - probably nearly all of them except some DE's - sure. Some TE's. a 5'9" 210 RB, which isn't rare, has a BMI of 31. however, I think it would be very rare in basketball, baseball, soccer, track, tennis, even equestrian. So I'd say a number of student athletes, but a small number overall. It's certainly not a perfect measurement at all but the majority of americans with a BMI over 30 are solely due to the fat they are carrying fat, not muscle.

CowtownEng said:

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nhamp07 said:

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BMI of 30 isnt that fat.

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Sadly, I would suggest this perspective is a function of modern conditioning. We've been slowly boiling the frog for decades. Look through pictures of crowds from just 40 years ago, it's startling how different the average person appears.

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Hell just look at "the fat kid" in willie wonka.

riverrataggie said:

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CowtownEng said:

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riverrataggie said:

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nhamp07 said:

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BMI of 30 isnt that fat.

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Also misleading. Majority of collegiate student athletes fall into this category.

---

BMI certainly isn't perfect, but it is a simple calculation that works well for most. Everyone is aware of the bodybuilder/professional athelete that is categorized as obese by BMI, but annectodotally (outside of texags at least), this is not really a consideration for the vast majority of people.

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No doubt, but think grouping BMI of 30 is still ridiculous with the other underlying conditions of 1B.

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That's probably true. Obesity is listed as a common comorbidity for COVID hospitalizations, but I am skeptical that the same criteria (e.g. morbid obesity vs. regular old obesity) is used consistently.

The argument about BMi is ridiculous. They need a quick, cheap, easy proxy for risk. BMI is far from perfect but it is cheap, easy, quick and reasonable at the population level.

I think someone put a study on here that showed 30 BMI wasnt really the cutoff for the virus being more risky and that it became more risky at 35 and then way more risky at 40+.

This is consistent with what one of the doctors on here said he is seeing in the people dropping dead left and right being not bedridden obese but really f'ing fat.

All that is to suggest maybe make it 35 BMI for those under 40 or something like that

Or just remove obesity entirely. People can't help being old.

From what I have seen in multiple locations is that sites aren't checking if people really qualify. You can claim first responder, diabetes, obesity, whatever really and get the shot, not like there is some extensive verification process. More young vs old people seem to still be getting the shot via this route from what I can tell. Not saying it's right at all just stating that if you really want a shot you can get one fairly easy.

It's hard to know when they will open up the vaccine to more criteria groups when they can't even get the vaccine to the people who already meet criteria and are still waiting. You have people who have gotten the first vaccine that are waiting and hoping they will be able to get the second. Unfortunately, I don't see how expanding those eligible helps alleviate the core problem...which is a lack of available vaccines at the local level. you're just going to end up with more people on more lists. Distribution is proving to be a problem.

This is correct. I know multiple people who don't fall into the 1A/1B categories and they have gotten the shot. Most have claimed to take care of the elderly parents and put that on the sign up sheet. And NONE have gotten any questions when being vaccinated. The nurses have said they don't care, they are just trying to get it into the arms of folks. Show up with a confirmed appointment time with your name on it and you are good.

FWIW - no one asks for any proof of your "comorbidity". If you're concerned and want the vaccine, go ahead and register.

It's my understanding we shouldn't expect it to open up for everybody until sometime this spring. I'd be surprised if it's anytime before late April or early May.

I'm 1B and it's like moving heaven and earth to get a shot, yet I know of at least 2 people who got it who don't fall into 1A or 1B. I'm trying not to be a jerk about it, but I'm trying to be HONEST when I get on wait lists. I could call in favors with family who are in the medical field in other parts of the state, but I don't want to deplete another county's supply.

if youre in a big city try the surrounding areas/counties. Before my parents got into Memorial Herman they were able to get into a county nearby for a scheduled shot.

Yeah. I'm in Austin and it's a cluster.

I'm looking at surrounding counties now.

COVID-19 Vaccine Allocation Phase 1B Definition

The following is from Page #1 of the document. Most postings are Page #2 which is age and medical.

Note the "front-line workers".

Quote:

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In Texas, Phase 1B of vaccination will focus on people for whom there is strong and consistent
evidence that COVID-19 makes them more likely to become very sick or die. Preventing the
disease among people who have these risk factors will dramatically reduce the number of
Texans who die from the disease and relieve pressure on the healthcare system by reducing
hospital and ICU admissions. Vaccination will also reduce absenteeism among the front-line
workers at the greatest risk of severe disease and protect individuals at risk for health
inequities.

Because Phase 1B provides vaccine to higher-risk people regardless of their work sector or
status, it will provide protection for a number of critical populations at an increased risk of
getting COVID-19: communities that are disproportionately affected by COVID-19 and other
chronic diseases; teachers and school staff who ensure that Texas children can learn in a safe
environment; social services workers who ensure that those in need receive care and support;
workers who maintain critical infrastructure to support the Texas economy; and other front-line
workers who are unable to work remotely and so are more likely to be exposed.
As Texas progresses into Phase 1B in the coming weeks, the state will work with vaccine
providers and local partners to ensure that people who are 65 and older or have the medical
conditions listed below and who also work in front-line and critical industries have access to the
vaccine so they will be protected from COVID-19 while on the job. Texas equally will strive to
ensure vaccine reaches communities with health disparities in accordance with Texas Vaccine
Allocation Guiding Principles. Communication and outreach will encourage vaccine uptake
among these populations during Phase 1B.

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Also- Brookshire Brothers has a list you can get on

Charpie said:

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I'm 1B and it's like moving heaven and earth to get a shot, yet I know of at least 2 people who got it who don't fall into 1A or 1B. I'm trying not to be a jerk about it, but I'm trying to be HONEST when I get on wait lists. I could call in favors with family who are in the medical field in other parts of the state, but I don't want to deplete another county's supply.

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I'm torn on this issue. It seems like people that aren't in Tier 1 but really, really want to or need to get the shot should be able to. I just think there should be a mechanism by which they can move their way up a Tier instead of cheating or needing to not being completely honest. A simple $50-100 charge could work. Likewise people can move down Tiers and receive a $50-$100 gift card or something.

Cactus Jack said:

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1b represents about 60% of the population.

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I've seen people that either have asthma, or claim they do get approved in 1B, so this 60% might be close.