Top San Antonio doctor urging vaccinations to avoid COVID winter surge

The COVID-19 pandemic already the deadliest disease event in American history.

But one local doctor says the worst COVID surge could still be ahead of us as we go into winter.

But health experts say there is one thing that could almost make certain we'd avoid a surge

“I felt relieved,” said Elisa Denis, who just turned 12 on September 15. “It was really nice getting it knowing that I can be safer.”

About a week and a half ago, 12-year old Elisa Denis got her first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

Elisa says she got the shot to protect others around her.

But she also has a much more personal reason, her grandmother Maria.

“My grandmother died of COVID-19 on January 4 and she didn’t have the chance to get the vaccine like we can now,” Denis said.

So far more than 4,300 people in San Antonio have died from COVID-19.

“Our concern is that factors are aligning that it could be a bad surge with COVID again this winter,” said Dr. Robert Leverence, the chief medical officer at UT Health San Antonio.

Leverence says more young people getting vaccinated is the key to squash any potential for a big winter surge, especially younger age groups.

“The 20-year-olds, the 18-year-olds, the 16-year-olds they’re the lowest group in terms of vaccination rates,” Leverence said.

And now Elisa is counting down the days until she gets her second dose.

“I will get my next one on October 9,” Denis said. “If you love your family, friends, neighbors that the best way to show your love is to get the vaccine.”

Below is the time and location information for vaccine clinic for the rest of this week.

WEDNESDAY, Sept 29

Good Samaritan Community Center

1600 Saltillo

San Antonio, TX 78207

9 - 11:30 am

Pfizer Provider :UTHSCSA

Greater Corinth Baptist

500 S New Braunfels

San Antonio, TX 78203

3 – 6 pm

Pfizer and J&J Provider: UIW

THURSDAY, Sept 30

University Park Baptist Church

2308 Cincinnati Ave

San Antonio, TX 78228

9 am – 3 pm

Pfizer and J&J Provider: Metro Health

The McNay Art Museum

6000 N New Braunfels Ave

San Antonio, TX 78209

1 - 6pm

Pfizer and J&J Provider: Metro Health

Second Baptist Church

3310 E Commerce

San Antonio, TX 78220

3pm-6pm

Pfizer and J&J Provider: UIW

FRIDAY, Oct 1

The Culinary Institute of America

312 Pearl Pkwy Bldg 2

Ste 2102

San Antonio, TX 78215

11 am – 5 pm

Pfizer and J&J Provider: Metro Health