Pence says Covid vaccine distribution could start in mid-December

Photographer: Chris Kleponis / CNP / Bloomberg

Vice President Mike Pence told governors Monday that distribution of a coronavirus vaccine could begin by the third week of December, signaling that U.S. regulators would quickly approve an emergency clearance for the first vaccines.

“We strongly believe the vaccine distribution process could begin the week of Dec. 14,” Pence told Governors, according to a summary of the appeal provided by the office of Washington Gov. Jay Inslee. “The American people deserve to know that the cavalry is on the way.”

Pence told governors they would have the final say on vaccine distribution as the “ultimate arbiter” in their states, according to the summary.

Moderna Inc. has joined Pfizer Inc. on Monday asked the FDA to issue an emergency use authorization for its shot. Both vaccines are more than 90% effective, according to preliminary results from clinical trials, although their delivery issues include the need for two injections.

Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar, Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Stephen Hahn, Center for Disease Control and Prevention Director Robert Redfield and Anthony Fauci, Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases , also participated in the call.

Read more: CDC advisers moved Covid Meeting to help states on deadline

An FDA advisory group is due to meet on Dec. 10 to discuss vaccines. Azar told governors distribution could begin within 24 hours of regulatory approval, while Pence said the administration believes it will be the week of 14. Vaccines will largely be administered through pharmacies such as those belonging to CVS Health Corp. and Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc., Azar said.

“It was a very happy call,” said Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, a Republican. He said the vaccine from Pfizer Inc. could start arriving in his state by December 15.

The call came against the backdrop of a raging pandemic. Coronavirus cases in the United States increased in the days leading up to Thanksgiving weekend, including a record 205,000 cases recorded on Friday. The United States recorded nearly four million cases in November alone, out of 13.5 million to date. Deaths are on the rise and hospitalizations are at an all time high.

“Our health system faces a real challenge,” Azar acknowledged during the call.

Some governors on the call expressed surprise to learn that vaccines would first be distributed to states on a per capita basis, counting only those aged 18 years and over.

After the call, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz said the administration was unsure who should be vaccinated first.

“The Trump administration thinks you are vaccinating people 65 and over,” Walz told reporters. “The CDC, Dr Fauci and others say you are vaccinating healthcare workers to get the best value for your money. These are discussions that are taking place. “

Pence assured the governors that the administration will support any distribution plan they choose.

Pence’s office released a summary of the appeal, noting that Hahn insisted the immunization program “doesn’t lead to shortcuts.” The written summary did not specify when the distribution will begin.

– With help from Stephen Joyce, Alexander Ebert and Shruti Singh