Roberts: Vaccination numbers improving, but still lots to be done

TYLER — NET Health’s George Roberts says there are some positive signs, but lots of work to do as COVID-19 continues to hit East Texas hard. Regarding vaccinations in Smith County, Roberts says, “53.21 per cent of individuals 12 and older have had at least one dose, and almost 45 per cent are fully vaccinated. So…that number is getting better…but we still need to grow that.” Roberts says among the elderly, vaccination numbers are significantly higher than the overall figures. He adds that some people who “maybe have been on the fence about it” are now starting to get their shots. He also notes that Tyler hospital patient numbers are down but still substantial — and he says the number of unvaccinated COVID patients in Tyler hospitals remains at over 95 per cent. All in all, Roberts repeats his call for unvaccinated people to get their shots as soon as possible.