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Cases of coronavirus are increasing in Lubbock and throughout the state of Texas, and so are hospitalizations. Due to the increase in cases, the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) will be launching 18 pop-up event sites at Walmart locations throughout Texas.

The pop-up events will give those at the DSHS a chance to talk to parents and families about why it's important for younger Texans to be vaccinated as a new school year approaches.

While it's still true that older adults who aren't vaccinated have a greater risk of being hospitalized, those who are younger can still spread the virus, and those who are younger are also more likely not to be vaccinated. Forty percent of those 18-34 have been vaccinated, while 26 percent of those 12-17 have been vaccinated.

According to a press release from the Texas Department of State Health Services, hospitalizations are increasing among all demographics:

“Hospitalizations for COVID-19 are now rising across all age groups. While fewer young people get very sick, they can get and spread the virus, and we are still learning about the long-term effects,” said Dr. John Hellerstedt, DSHS commissioner. “Tens of millions of people have been vaccinated with no ill effects. We know these vaccines are not only safe but also very effective. Achieving higher vaccination rates is essential to eliminating the threat of COVID from our communities.”

Cases and hospitalizations are increasing as data indicates the Delta variant now accounts for most new COVID-19 infections in Texas. The variant spreads more easily and may cause more severe disease.

The pop-up event will happen in Lubbock on Wednesday, August 4th, 2021 from 3 to 7 p.m. at the Walmart location at 1911 Marsha Sharp Freeway. There will be information, games and more.

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