February 4, 2021
Statement by Texas Medical Association (TMA) President Diana L. Fite,
MD, and Harris County Medical Society President Gary J. Sheppard, MD, about situations
physicians and health care workers might face when trying to administer all
COVID-19 vaccine without wasting it. This issue emerged after Houston authorities
leveled accusations against a local physician.
“It is difficult
to understand any justification for charging any well-intentioned physician in
this situation with a criminal offense.
“Physicians
and health care workers are scrambling to get the vaccine into as many arms as
possible, as quickly as possible, to stop the spread of this potentially fatal
virus. They follow priority-order protocols as closely as they can and then
apply common sense if it’s necessary to prevent waste of this precious vaccine.
“They
should be applauded, not penalized, for doing so.”
About
TMA
TMA is the largest state
medical society in the nation, representing more than 55,000 physician and
medical student members. It is located in Austin and has 110 component county medical
societies around the state. TMA’s key objective since 1853 is to improve the
health of all Texans.
About HCMS
HCMS, established in 1903, is the professional society for physicians in
Harris County. It is the largest county medical society in the nation, with a
membership of more than 12,400 physicians and medical students. Its mission is
to be the leading advocate for its member physicians, their patients, and the
community in promoting the highest standards of ethical medical practice,
access to quality medical care, medical education, research, and community
health.
--30--
Contacts:
TMA
Brent Annear (512) 370-1381; cell:
(512) 656-7320
Marcus Cooper (512) 370-1382; cell:
(512) 650-5336
HCMS
John Elolf (713) 524-4267 ext. 244