Fletcher suggests Houstonians get COVID-19 vaccine ‘until kids are eligible’

Rep. Lizzie Fletcher (D-Houston) is encouraging Houstonians to get the COVID-19 vaccine amid National Immunization Month.

Individuals 12 years and older are currently eligible to get vaccinated against the virus, the CDC reports.

“This #NationalImmunizationMonth, as kids head back to school, they'll be protected against diseases like chicken pox, measles, tetanus and more, thanks to vaccines,” Fletcher wrote in a Aug 9. Twitter post. “And until kids are eligible, you should get vaccinated for COVID-19!”

CDC states an average of 11,521 COVID-19 patients have been admitted to hospitals during the most recently reported seven-day period of Aug. 11 to Aug. 17. This represents a 14% increase compared to the previously reported seven-day average.

“Vaccines prevent hospitalizations from COVID-19, protecting us from both the health and financial impacts of the virus—and it's free to everyone in the U.S., thanks to the #AmericanRescuePlan,” Fletcher wrote in a July 13 Twitter post.

Doctors throughout Houston have reported most COVID-19 patients they have seen are unvaccinated and many want the shot after contracting the virus, according to The Houston Chronicle.

“We have so much to look forward to when more of us are vaccinated and safe,” Fletcher tweeted on July 27. “Vaccines represent hope for life after COVID.”

National Immunization Awareness Month is held every August to shed light on the importance of vaccines, as stated by the CDC.

The World Health Organization endorses immunizations to assist in the prevention of a number of infectious diseases including influenza and measles.

Texas schools currently don’t require children to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, as reported by WFAA.

While many doctors offices offer the COVID-19 vaccination, other providers include CVS, Walmart and Walgreens.