Dear Members of the Baylor College of Medicine Community,
Cases of COVID-19 across the country are dropping, but more slowly than we would like. Some places are seeing big jumps; New York City is reporting around 3,500 new cases a day.
In this week’s video, I go through all the numbers and talk a bit about variants and vaccinations. It is very much a race to stay ahead of the variants by getting people vaccinated as quickly as possible. Texas has opened eligibility up to people over 50 now. Hopefully, we will be able to get vaccine to those in their 20s soon, as that is the group more likely to spread the virus by not following public health measures.
The vaccines are safe. They are effective. So why are we still seeing vaccine reluctance? Please do your part to inform your family and friends about the importance of vaccines. The Houston Chronicle published an op-ed I wrote this week on the subject. The bottom line – vaccines are responsible for increasing our lifespan over the years. Feel free to share the op-ed and these videos to those who need a better understanding of the issue.
Finally, today is Match Day - the day fourth-year medical students across the country find out where they will spend the next few years in their residency programs. Lily has been working hard on increasing her skills as well. Watch to see where she will continue her training.
Have a good weekend. Stay safe.
Paul Klotman, M.D.
President & CEO
Executive Dean
