The medical community is reporting an increase of COVID-19 patients in hospitals since the 4th of July weekend. That same trend is reflected in Texas DSHS’ COVID-19 dashboard, where the hospitalization rate for Trauma Service Area O—which includes Lockhart—has gone back up to 2.2 percent at the end of the week.
According to the CDC, the Delta variant is now the dominant strain of the virus in the U.S. accounting for half of all COVID-19 cases nationwide. Health experts, including Dr. Anthony Fauci of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease, say studies continue to show that vaccines are still effective against the virus.
“If you look at the number of deaths, about 99.2% of them are unvaccinated,” said Dr. Fauci. “It's really sad and tragic that most all of these are avoidable and preventable.”
In Caldwell County, just a little over 49 percent of residents aged 12 and over have received at least one dose. Even though there is no mass vaccination site in Lockhart, COVID-19 vaccines are still available in local pharmacies and medical providers.
“The vaccine gives us the chance to return to people, places, and activities we love,” Lockhart Mayor, Lew White, said. “Let’s get our lives back. Don’t throw away your shot!”
Here are some ways you can locate a vaccine:
- Check with your doctor/medical provider and local pharmacies: Your doctor or pharmacy may be enrolled to be a COVID-19 vaccine provider and have doses available.
- Locate a COVID-19 vaccine clinic through Vaccines.gov: This website allows you to search for a location by zip code and your vaccine preference.
- Visit a vaccine hub near you: Texas established large vaccination hubs statewide to reach more people with the vaccine. The nearest vaccine hubs in Lockhart are the following:
- Bastrop County:
- Travis County: