TAA urges state to prioritize vaccine for apartment personnel
This article first appeared onTexas Apartment Association TAA.org
The Texas Apartment Association is asking the state to consider prioritizing apartment workers for the COVID-19 vaccine.
- Texas Apartment Association Executive Vice President Chris Newton sent a written request asking the state to consider prioritizing apartment personnel for the state’s allocation of COVID-19 vaccine.
- TAA notes that many apartment leasing staff and maintenance professionals must provide services but may not be able to remain physically distant while doing so.
- Learn more about the state’s vaccination efforts.
The Texas Apartment Association has formally requested that the state prioritize COVID-19 vaccines for apartment personnel.
In a letter dated January 5, TAA’s Executive Vice President Chris Newton wrote Dr. John Hellerstedt, who heads the Texas Department of State Health Services. Dr. Hellerstedt has been charged by Gov. Greg Abbott with determining how the state’s allocation of vaccines will be distributed based upon the input and recommendations of a 17-member Expert Vaccine Advisory Panel. More information about Texas’ vaccination efforts can be found here.
While the first two phases of vaccine allocations have been dedicated to front-line health care personnel, residents of long-term care facilities, the elderly and others with chronic health issues, it is hoped that the next round of allocations will go to workers in essential services, including onsite multifamily staff, who come into close contact with the public.
In particular, the letter cited the need to help protect leasing office staff and maintenance personnel who must provide services but may not be in a position to socially distance.