Gov. Greg Abbott Vaccinated For COVID-19
AUSTIN, Texas (CBSDFW.COM/AP) - Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on Tuesday, Dec. 22, joined the ranks of governors receiving the COVID-19 vaccine on live television in hopes of assuring the public that the inoculations are safe.
Abbott, a Republican, said after getting the vaccine at a hospital in the state capital that federal health officials have urged governors to set an example.
Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey also received the first dose this week, while other governors have said they'll wait.
A resurgence of the virus in Texas has put the number of hospitalized COVID-19 patients back over 10,000 for only the second time during the pandemic.
Nearly 11,000 people were hospitalized in July during a deadly summer outbreak.
Abbott has said he won't impose new lockdown measures as cases climb.
For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms that clear up within weeks.
But for others, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, the virus can cause severe illness and be fatal.
(© Copyright 2020 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
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