First Coronavirus Vaccines Could Arrive In RI Within Weeks

PROVIDENCE, RI — The coronavirus pandemic has been a harsh reality in Rhode Island for nine months now, but light may finally be visible at the end of the tunnel. On Thursday, Gov. Gina Raimondo said the first doses of the coronavirus vaccines could arrive in the state as soon as mid-December.

Both Pfizer and Moderna are seeking approval from the Food and Drug Administration for their new coronavirus vaccines, which, if granted, could mean thousands of doses could be in Rhode Island before Christmas. Raimondo said she expects around 10,000 doses of the Pfizer vaccine to arrive first, followed by 19,000 doses of Moderna's vaccine close behind.

Health care workers, first responders and high-risk individuals, such as those living in congregate care facilities, will be first in line to get the vaccine. Most Rhode Islanders can expect to get the vaccine by late spring, Raimondo said. For this reason, social distancing, masks and other "new normals" of the pandemic are here to stay for the near future, she cautioned.

Both vaccines require two doses three to four weeks apart to be effective. The state is working to develop a reminder system to make sure residents know when they are supposed to return to their health care provider to receive the second dose, as well as a system for the public to know how many doses are available in the state, and who is eligible at what time.

"We've got it covered, we're working on it, we've got a plan," Raimondo said.

Both vaccines have approximately 95 percent efficacy, which Raimondo called "miraculously effective." That is considerably higher than other common vaccines, such as the seasonal flu shot. While the vaccines may be new, Rhode Islanders can rest assured that they will be safe, Raimondo said. Both vaccines went through three rounds of clinical trials with more than 70,000 participants, and are being evaluated by the same FDA standards that apply to any other therapy or vaccine. Further, the state has its own subcommittee focused only on the coronavirus vaccine that will examine the public data to ensure it is safe before any Rhode Islanders receive a dose.

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