COVID UPDATE: County records three new deaths from virus
Milam County recorded three more deaths from COVID-19 yesterday.
“I am sad to report three more deaths in Milam County due to the COVID-19 virus,” County Judge Steve Young said Wednesday night. “This brings the death toll to 18 in Milam County, since our first infection back in March 2020. This is a grim reminder that we must continue to be vigilant, wear a mask, keep our distance and get vaccinated. The virus is out of control and the only way to fix this is to get vaccinated.”
The county will have a large vaccination clinic in Rockdale today to vaccinate over 250 Milam County residents.
Young said those to be vaccinated have been told when to be at the former Rockdale Medical Clinic, located at 1700 Brazos Street.
“We have Texas A&M Health Science under the direction of Dr. Joy Alonzo coming to assist us on Thursday,” he said. “We will also have our Milam County Health Department nurses and others to assist in the vaccinations. We will not take any walk ins. This is by appointment only.”
Once there, one must complete and sign a consent form. Second, they will take Medicare numbers from those that have Medicare. Third, there is counseling from a nurse or other licensed medical professional, where one is asked about prior reactions and other important related medical issues. Fourth is the shot, which only takes a minute or so. Last, there is a 15 minute waiting period in observation, just to make sure that help is around should there be a reaction. If everything runs smooth, the whole process takes about 30 minutes.
The county is administering the Moderna drug, which is a two-shot vaccine, meaning that a booster shot is necessary 28 days after the first shot. Those who are vaccinated will be given a card depicting the type of vaccine they received and when the booster shot can be given. It is imperative that both shots be received. Further, the drug cannot be intermingled with another drug, such as the Pfizer vaccine. The vaccine will be provided at no cost, although there may be an administration charge for those with insurance.
“While vaccinations are totally voluntary, we highly recommend that everyone receive a vaccination,” Young said. “Even if you have previously been infected by the virus, you should still get the shot. This is our best chance to get this terrible pandemic under control. In order to establish herd immunity, we need 70-90 percent of the Milam County population to be vaccinated. We have been under the gun for almost a year and now we have a ticket to safety, so please do your part and get the shots.”
If you want to get on the vaccination list, call the Milam County main number at (254) 697-7000 or simply email Amy Guillen at aguillen@milamcounty.net.
There are currently have about 1,200 individuals on the list.
Young said that Scott and White will now vaccinate its patients. Call your treating physician and schedule an appointment.
COVID Testing
Young said 42 individuals were tested in Thorndale on Wednesday, with 12 positive results.
Since Sept. 1 the county has tested 2,507 individuals with 696 positive results with a 28 percent positivity rate.
Today there will be testing in Cameron at the Cameron Volunteer Fire Station from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. If you are a Milam County resident with COVID symptoms stop by for a free rapid test.