Approximately 40% of Texans have had their complete COVID-19 vaccination, but the number of people receiving their first vaccine shot has reached a halt.
In Texas, about 75% of those aged 65 and up are completely immunized, whereas other age groups are lagging.
The younger population is yet to be vaccinated, according to Dr. Ivan Melendez of the Hidalgo County Health Authority. These people are hesitant to get vaccinated since they don’t see the benefit, either because they think they won’t get sick or just because they believe their parents or grandparents, with whom they interact, have already been vaccinated, he added.
What do health experts suggest on herd immunity?
To develop herd immunity, health professionals recommend that 70 to 90 percent of people be fully vaccinated, although that number is unlikely to be reached.
Dr. James Castillo, the Cameron County Health Authority, said: “You’ll see areas more protected. So you’re going to see pockets of that herd immunity, but it’s very unlikely that entire states or the country will reach that.”
As all three vaccines offered in the U.S. are distributed under emergency use approval, there have been concerns regarding their safety. The COVID-19 vaccinations, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), are receiving the most rigorous safety testing in the country’s history.
Castillo believes that there has been a great deal of transparency regarding any concerns that have arisen with the vaccinations, as well as a great deal of caution. He believes that everyone should measure this against COVID’s evident risks.
Pfizer and Moderna both applied to the FDA for complete approval, Pfizer in May and Moderna at the beginning of June.
Are the vaccine shots safe for children?
Currently, all the drugmakers are conducting clinical testing in children to see how effective and safe the vaccine shots are.
With over 70% of the population completely vaccinated, the Rio Grande Valley tends to have one of the largest populations of fully immunized persons in the state.
