More vaccine is on the way

City upbeat about virus outlook

The San Antonio Metropolitan Health District reported four new deaths from COVID-19 in the past two weeks, but officials say the outlook for getting more vaccine doses looks hopeful.

Testing has resumed after last week’s severe winter storm and 404 new cases of the virus were reported Thursday, up from 371 on Wednesday. There were 494 people in the hospital with coronavirus — five fewer patients — although the number in intensive care rose by four, to 194.

The deaths were two Hispanic women, both in their 90s; a Black man in his 30s; and a white woman in her 90s.

Health officials are hoping the Food and Drug Administration will soon allow emergency use of a vaccine developed by Johnson & Johnson administered in a single dose.

“That’ll certainly help the entire community,” Commissioner Justin Rodriguez said at the daily briefing Thursday.

The two vaccines already approved, produced by Pfizer and Moderna, are given in two doses up to six weeks apart. An FDA committee could issue a recommendation Friday on a third vaccine.

Mayor Ron Nirenberg said the city isn’t asking the state and federal government for “a specific brand” but hopes to secure “any vaccine they can give to us.”

The mayor noted Thursday the city expects to get more Pfizer vaccine, possibly 10,000 doses, early next week.

Vaccination sites have reopened since last week’s snowstorm and 3,510 vaccinations were given at the Alamdome on Thursday. University

Health also is administering up to 3,000 doses daily at Wonderland of the Americas Mall.

Meanwhile, operators with Wellmed are taking calls for appointments from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily, with slots still open, at 833968-1745.

Also, the South Texas Veterans Health Care System will provide up to 500 doses of the Moderna vaccine to veterans enrolled in the system Saturday at Texas A&M University-san Antonio. VA representatives are contacting veterans for appointments. For information, call 210-617-5300.