Vaccine demand slows down in county
Even though all adult Texas residents are now eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine, demand in Wichita County has slowed dramatically in recent weeks.
With only 24.66% of Wichita County residents fully vaccinated, The Wichita County Health District, pharmacies and health providers did not receive doses from the state this week because the doses they have in storage are not being utilized.
The Allred Correctional Facility is the only Wichita County entity receiving vaccine this week, 500 Moderna.
Wichita County Health Director Lou Kreidler said her office has 740 doses on hand, and only around 30 people on the waiting list. “We’re at the point where people are no longer actively seeking vaccines,” Kreidler said Monday.
To help reach underserved members of the community, Kreidler said the Wichita Falls-Wichita County Health Distrcits is beginning to work on outreach in hopes of reaching groups that are undervaccinated, and “meeting them where they are.”
When asked the key reasons of those who are hesistant to vaccinate against the novel Coronoavirus, Kreidler cited three:
1. Fear of the vaccine, and/or speed at which it was perceived to be produced.
2. Some are taking a wait and see approach, and see how others tolerate the vaccine.
3. Some do not believe in the vaccine and don’t need to be vaccinated.
Scientists estimate between 70 and 90 pecent of the population must acquire resistance to the virus to reach herd immunity.
Although it is still not known how long the vaccines now available offer protection, those who have had COVID-19 are immune about 90 days after having the virus, then can become infected again.
Across the United States, roughtly 31 percent of adult are now fully vaccinated.
With Wichita County at 24.66% fully vaccinated, surrounding Texas Counties as well as the state overall, seems to be more open to the vaccine.
In the state of Texas, 45.23% of the population is fully vaccinated; Wilbarger County is at 37.41%; Baylor County, 33.73%; Archer County 32,90% and Clay County is currently 31.72% fully vaccinated.
No deaths resulting from COVID-19 have been reported in the county the past two weeks. From Tuesday, April 13 to Monday, April 19 34 positive case and 34 recoveries were reported to the WCWFHD.
Although cases in Wichita have decreased considerably, variants of the Coronavirus are a looming concern across the country.
While variants have been detected as close as Arlington, Texas, none have been reported in Wichita County.
However, where variants do gain a foothold, they carry mutations that can make the virus more contagious and in some cases more deadly, which makes continued vaccinations important in stemming the spread of the disease.
“It’s (variants) something that we look at and think about, “Kreidler commented, “and drives our want to get individuals vaccinated.”
Vaccines are currently available throughout the county, with the Pfizer vaccine available to those 16 years and older, and the Moderna vaccine to those 18 and older.
Those who have not ye gotten a Covid vaccine, bu would like one are asked to call health providers a well as any pharmacy, or the Wichita County Health Department and get on their list
A vaccine clinic, hosted by MSU Texas in partnership with the Department of Emergency Management (TDEM) and the Texas Military Department (TMD) wil be held through the month of April each Tuesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Sikes Lake Center, located on the MSU Texas south campus just off of Midwestern Parkway.
The clinics will utilize same-day registration and are on a first-come, firstserved basis. Individuals will be asked to present identification such as a driver’s license or state-issued ID. Members of the Texas Military Department will be on site to administer the vaccines.
