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Nearly 225,000 doses of the Pfizer coronavirus vaccine could arrive in Texas as early as the week of December 14, according to the state health department.
According to the Texas Department of State Health Services, 224,250 doses of the vaccine will be shipped within weeks to 109 hospitals in 34 counties across the state.
Although the supply is limited, the DSHS noted that this would be the first of “many vaccine allocations to come”. The number of vaccines sent to each county was based on the number of health workers who could be vaccinated quickly and the storage capacity of each site.
In trials, the Pfizer vaccine was found to be 95% effective in preventing COVID-19 and, moreover, appeared to fend off serious illness.
The first shipments are expected to be part of 1.4 million doses from Texas Governor Greg Abbott (right) reportedly destined for the state.
Texas will initially award COVID-19 vaccines based on the following criteria:
- Protect the healthcare workers who play a vital role in the care and preservation of the lives of patients with COVID-19 and in maintaining the healthcare infrastructure for all who need it.
- Protect frontline workers who are at greater risk of contracting COVID-19 due to the nature of their work by providing essential services and preserving the economy.
- Protect vulnerable populations who are at greater risk of serious illness and death if they contract COVID-19.
- Mitigate health inequalities due to factors such as demographics, poverty, insurance status and geography.
- Data-based allocations using the best scientific and epidemiological evidence available at the time, allowing flexibility for local conditions.
- Geographic diversity through a balanced approach that takes into account access in urban and rural communities and in relevant postal codes.
- Transparency through sharing allowances with the public and seeking public comment.
http://www.documentcloud.org/documents/7334740-COVIDVaccineAllocation-Week1.html
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