Latin America’s upper and middle classes are flocking to Texas to get a COVID-19 vaccine.
From politicians to TV personalities to business executives, Latin American tourists are traveling in increasing numbers to the Lone Star State due to a lack of doses back home.
“They’re chartering planes, probably a lot of money being handed over to folks that shouldn’t be doing what they’re doing,” Josef Woodman, CEO of Patients Beyond Borders, said. “Or they’re coming in and saying they’re looking for medical treatment, and oh by the way, they get a test, and a vaccination.”
Woodman adds there are no hard numbers because most aren't reported. In cities like Houston and San Antonio, foreign travelers say if you show Health officials your passport, they're willing to give you a shot.
“I expect that this will be around for a little while. In the United States, even though the inventory’s been in fairly short supply, we really don’t know what it’s like to just simply not have access to testing and to vaccinations,” Woodman explained.
He says Latin American countries don't have anywhere near the number of doses they need to vaccinate their own citizens. Mexico got more vaccines than many Latin American nations. However, that’s only enough fully vaccinated 2.6% of its 130 million people.