DALLAS (WBAP/KLIF) – The Texas Department of State Health Services had threatened to reduce the weekly number of doses to Dallas County and no longer consider it a hub provider if the county didn’t change a recently approved policy that prioritizes shots for certain zip codes.
In an emergency meeting Wednesday evening, Dallas County Commissioners voted to rescind the policy. The discussion was heated at times. John Wiley Price abstained from voting and said “I don’t like having my arm twisted.” According to DSHS, the Dallas County order violates its goals to equitably distribute the vaccine.
“We have been clear with all hubs that DSHS will guarantee consistent vaccine allocations based on compliance with the above requirements,” reads a portion of the letter obtained by WBAP/KLIF. “However, if Dallas County is unable to meet these expectations, we will be forced to reduce the weekly vaccine allocation to Dallas County Health and Human Services and no longer consider it a hub provider. Prior to taking any action for the week of Jan. 25, I wanted to share this information with you for your consideration. DSHS must load the week 7 vaccine orders with CDC this Thursday, Jan, 21. Please let me know how Dallas County intends to proceed with vaccine distribution by 8:00 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 21.”
According to the Dallas county Commissioners Court, the order was passed in an effort to vaccinate the county’s most vulnerable first.
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