Now that Pfizer’s vaccine has emergency use authorization from the FDA, hospitals are waiting eagerly, the freezers are ready and security protocols are in place.
Washington will get 62,000 doses in the first shipment.
While 32,000 doses were already allocated, just today the other 30,000 were assigned to local health care providers. Some of them don’t even know yet.
“The decision has been made, and we’ll place the final orders this afternoon and we’ll notify those sites tomorrow,” said SheAnne Allen, COVID-19 Vaccine Coordinator, Washington Department of Health. “Pfizer will receive the order list. Right now we’re anticipating Saturday, they’ll start shipping on Sunday. It takes 24-48 (hours) to receive vaccine.”
Before vaccinations in Washington, the Western States Pact calls for an independent review of the vaccine, a scientific safety review.
There are two Washington doctors in that work group. Dr. John Dunn of Kaiser Permanente is one of them.
“We’ve been reviewing evidence since earlier in the week. We met yesterday to discuss this at considerable length. We’ll be meeting again tomorrow,” said Dr. Dunn.
They are looking at safety and efficacy, and are watching the FDA advisory panel discussion closely.
Dr. Dunn says no steps were skipped at the federal level, but he is happy to get a closer look.
“It’s important for me to watch this process and see it up close to convince myself that, in fact, everything is proceeding the way it should be. To be perfectly frank, I had no doubt that would be the case. It’s been interesting to see the evidence,” explained Dr. Dunn.
The Department of Health says Washington’s shipment could be here as soon as Monday.
“A couple last-minute details we are working over the weekend to get into place, then we are ready to launch,” said Allen.
Health care workers at risk of contracting COVID and residents of long-term care centers are at the top of the list.
Cox Media Group
