COVID-19 vaccinations could be available by mid-December

CARSON CITY (KTNV) – Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak updated the state’s COVID-19 vaccination planning process at a press conference on Wednesday.

Governor Sisolak was joined by Candice McDaniel, head of the Office of Child, Family and Community Welfare, as well as Shannon Bennett, Immunization Program Manager, Public and Behavioral Health Division.

RELATED: Governor Sisolak Shares Update on Nevada’s COVID-19 Vaccination Plan

The governor said he was happy to provide an update as the state braces for a COVID-19 vaccine, which he says could be available in mid-December in limited doses.

Governor Sisolak said officials have signaled that large-scale vaccination across America is not expected until spring. The state therefore needs a bridge to get there.

And these current measures to avoid gatherings, limit exposure by working from home and staying home as much as possible, while washing hands and wearing a mask will have to continue.

The governor said Nevada currently does not see a downward trajectory in coronavirus cases, with 16 of 17 counties reported at high risk of COVID-19 transmission.

Governor Sisolak said the statement below was sent this week by the White House task force:

“We are in a very dangerous place due to the current and extremely high baseline level of COVID and limited hospital capacity; a new post-Thanksgiving surge will jeopardize COVID patient care, as well as medical care in general.

The governor went on to say that if the state didn’t start seeing a shift in the trajectory of cases, it would find itself in the unfortunate position of having to take stronger action. However, he says he continues to work to balance the impacts on public health and the economic impacts.

Governor Sisolak said there appears to be hope on the horizon and Nevada expects to have the first allocations of a COVID-19 vaccine from the federal government potentially by mid-December. But the timing is still determined by the government, with the governor saying the state will be ready.

DOCUMENT: Nevada’s Updated COVID-19 Vaccination Manual

The Nevada state immunization program has received regular updates on the vaccines and how they should be shipped, handled, stored and administered, according to the governor. Both vaccines require two doses to be administered with a defined time between doses.

The governor said COVID-19 vaccine allocations will be population-based and while using a tiered approach consistent with the Immunization Practices Advisory Committee guidance to ensure frontline medical providers receive the first dose.

The first level includes other types of medical providers, correctional facility staff and law enforcement, according to the governor. And of the first vaccine allocation, a portion will be set aside for CVS and Walgreens Pharmacy partners who will immunize members of the vulnerable population who work and reside in long-term care facilities.

CORONAVIRUS: Nevada reports 35 new deaths, test positivity rate of 17.6%

Governor Sisolak has said the COVID-19 vaccine will not be released unless it is found to be safe and effective. Once a vaccine is approved, weekly allocations are provided and each county will be able to submit their vaccine request.

The governor also shared the latest White House report that the risk of COVID for all Americans is at an historic level. But he concluded Wednesday’s press conference by reiterating that hope is on the horizon with vaccines on the way.

Watch the full Wednesday press conference below: