The vaccination rate for COVID-19 in Nueces County as of Aug. 11 was 41 percent, not enough for herd immunity.
COVID-19 cases at a record high in Nueces County
Nueces County has the highest hospitalization rate for COVID-19 in the state, and Corpus Christi Mayor Paulette M. Guajardo has taken steps to take care of residents.
The city of Corpus Christi, Nueces County, and the Corpus Christi/Nueces County Public Health District reported at a news conference on Aug. 11 that the number of cases as of 4 p.m. was 4,497 with 318 new cases. Breakthrough cases, in which a fully vaccinated person has contracted COVID-19, were at 393 people yesterday with 43 needing hospitalization.
Guajardo encouraged all residents to get the vaccine. Currently, only 41 percent of Nueces County residents have been fully vaccinated. Experts say a 75 percent vaccination rate is needed for herd immunity and to more fully protect the population.
Free vaccinations are available at La Palmera Mall, 5488 South Padre Island Drive, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.
In-home COVID-19 vaccinations became available Aug. 12 in a partnership between the mayor and the Corpus Christi Fire Department. Individuals must be 12 years or older to receive the vaccine. The vaccines available are Moderna or Pfizer, which both require two shots about two weeks apart. The fire department will administer the shots. Only the Pfizer vaccine has been given emergency use authorization for ages 12 and older; Moderna is approved for ages 18 and older.
To register for an in-home vaccination, call 361-826-2489.
“I am committed to breaking down barriers to receive a vaccine,” Guajardo said. “Please, please stay vigilant. We are in this together.”
Guajardo’s goal is to provide options for all residents 12 and older to be vaccinated. She urged all residents to wear face coverings and practice social distancing to protect the children 11 and younger who are not yet eligible for vaccinations.
Anyone who thinks they have contracted the virus that causes COVID-19 can be tested for free at a drive-through testing center at the old Christus Spohn Hospital Memorial site, 2606 Hospital Blvd. To register, call 361-826-7200 and choose option 2.
