MA Coronavirus Vaccine: State Expects 20K-60K Doses At First
Massachusetts expects between 20,000 and 60,000 doses of a coronavirus vaccine in the early stages of such a vaccine's distribution, a number that state officials say still won't be enough to immunize everyone in the high-priority groups.
Massachusetts said in an interim distribution plan filed last week there would be three phases to getting any still under-development vaccines to the people. The plan, which in part works to identify priority groups as the vaccine is made available in larger quantities over time, is in accordance with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention interim playbook. The CDC asked states to submit plans by Nov. 1.
The Department of Public Health said the following populations will likely be prioritized in the first wave of distribution: Health care workers likely to be exposed to the coronavirus; People at high risk of serious illness from COVID-19, including those with underlying health conditions and people 65 or older; And other unspecified essential workers.
That largely falls in line with what Gov. Charlie Baker said in September, though he also identified low-risk "communities of color that have been particularly hard hit by the virus." The interim plan emphasizes the importance of getting communities of color the vaccine, but does not include them in the high-priority list.
If vaccine availability is especially limited, CDC guidance suggests health care workers be prioritized.
Even if the vaccine quantity comes in on the high end of estimates, officials will need hospitals and long-term care facilities to internally prioritize who gets it.
"[The Department of Public Health] knows that this initial allocation of vaccine will be insufficient to immunize all providers associated with health care institutions and long-term care facilities," the report reads.
The second phase will see the state greatly expand who can order vaccines — though orders will still be subject to approval in an effort to assure equitable distribution. The state may create what it's calling Emergency Dispensing Sites for areas that have limited health care facility access.
"Close and ongoing analysis of vaccine allocation and administration in clinical facilities and pharmacies throughout this phase will be needed to ensure equitable access by geography and affected community, and the nimble ability to adjust allocations to prevent and address immunization inequity," the report reads.
The third phase will come when there are enough doses of the vaccine for everyone in Massachusetts.
The state is working to expand its distribution network to handle expected demand. It's also leaning on a widespread communication plan to inform people of where they can get the vaccine and reinforce public trust in its safety and effectiveness. Recent polls show Americans' deep skepticism of the vaccine, which many feel could be rushed for political reasons.
Experts have said Massachusetts will have a leg up in distributing the vaccine thanks to a robust flu vaccination infrastructure.
>>>Read the state's full interim distribution plan here.
This article originally appeared on the Boston Patch
