UT Health East Texas marks anniversary of first COVID-19 vaccine
Tyler, Texas (December 13, 2021) — UT Health East Texas will commemorate the one-year anniversary of the first COVID-19 vaccination being given in East Texas by hosting a plaque dedication and ceremony at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 15, at UT Health North Campus Tyler.
The location was the first in East Texas to receive vaccines a year ago and later became one of the state’s vaccine hub locations. While the state ceased having mass-vaccination locations when vaccines became more widely accessible, the site continues to offer COVID-19 vaccines, including boosters and pediatric doses.
“One year ago, UT Health East Texas responded the COVID-19 pandemic by pulling together a mass-vaccination clinic in an effort to slow the spread of this aggressive disease. To date, we have given almost 60,000 vaccinations and hope to continue the effort and stress the importance of managing this virus,” said Cody Boyd, UT Health North Campus Tyler CEO. “COVID-19 has negatively affected so many fellow Texans, and we hope that our continued efforts will result in favorable health outcomes for East Texans.”
Event details
What: UT Health East Texas COVID-19 vaccine anniversary
Where: UT Health North Campus Tyler, 11937 US Hwy. 271, main lobby
When: Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2021
Time: 11:30 a.m.
Visuals: Speakers – Dr. Kirk Calhoun, Dr. Julie Philley; plaque unveiling; employees receiving third-dose booster vaccines
About UT Health East Texas
UT Health East Texas provides care to thousands of patients each year through an extensive regional network that includes 10 hospitals, more than 50 clinics, the Olympic Plaza Tower, 13 regional rehabilitation facilities, two freestanding emergency centers, regional home health services covering 41 counties, an EMS fleet of more than 50 ambulances and four helicopters, and a comprehensive seven-trauma center care network, including the region’s only Level 1 trauma facility.
As a partner with The University of Texas System, UT Health East Texas is uniquely positioned to provide patients with access to leading-edge research and clinical therapies while training and educating the next generation of physicians and other health professionals. The nationally recognized UT System also includes UT MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, as well as three other major university medical centers located throughout the state.