New Braunfels physician provides info for those seeking health care, vaccines amid snow

A winter storm that has sidelined many Central Texas residents has led to emergency disaster declarations lasting up to seven days in both Comal and Guadalupe counties as well as throughout Texas.

Locally, the freezing temperatures have also caused delays for those who had scheduled COVID-19 vaccines and caused roadblocks for residents who are needing other health care services, according New Braunfels physician Dr. Judith L. Thompson.

"In light of our local disaster declaration, [COVID-19] vaccinations scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 16 have been canceled, and all appointments are now rescheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 24," Thompson said, adding people should visit the Comal County Public Health Department website for any needed updated information.

Health care professionals are doing the best they can to meet patients' needs at this time, and there might not be immediate availability for everyone at this time.

"There may not be somebody to answer telephones, but if your physician has a digital portal, then please use it," she said. "Each of us has different resources for communicating with our patients; simply be patient, and do the best you can with the resources that you have understanding that on the other end we are doing the same."

Thompson said that on top of the severe weather, the fact that Feb. 15 is Presidents Day means many facilities are closed or working with skeleton crews, and hospital staff are stressed, cannot get home or to work.

"Again, I cannot understate the challenging nature of our current circumstances, so if you can care for yourself at home, please do," Thompson said. "If you need help caring for yourself then reach out to your closest health professional, and arrange for the safest transportation possible so that we do not further endanger our frontline first responders and resources."