As the launch of the ‘confusing’ vaccine in the U.S. continues, states begin to prioritize more people for vaccination

As the launch of the ‘confusing’ vaccine in the U.S. continues, states begin to prioritize more people for vaccination

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Only 5.3 million of the 17.3 million doses distributed were administered in the United States – only 30.7%. This is nowhere near the goal the Trump administration set in the fall to administer 20 million vaccines to Americans by the end of 2020. So many states are taking steps to speed things up.

In Montana, on Tuesday, Governor Greg Gianforte changed some vaccination policies at Covid-19 “with immediate effect” to include people aged 70 and over and people aged 16 to 69 with specific conditions.

“We can’t have vaccines on the shelf,” he said.

In Florida, Governor Ron DeSantis warned hospitals that if they do not distribute the vaccine quickly enough, they may lose additional batches. The state has expanded vaccination for older people over 65, and the demand has been so high that some older people camped overnight to get one. A site in Daytona Beach reached capacity two hours before the doors opened.
On Monday, Trump officials told CNN they will continue to allow states to make decisions about vaccine campaigns. They encouraged states to expand vaccine availability to pharmacies and allow more people to get their vaccines. US surgeon general Dr. Jerome Adams on Tuesday urged states to move quickly to additional priority groups.

“States across the country feel indebted to the guidelines of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices to vaccinate everyone in group 1a before moving on to 1b and beyond and what I want people to know is that these are the guidelines,” he said Adams.

In these guidelines from the CDC vaccine advisory committee, health professionals and residents of long-term care facilities are the top priority for receiving vaccines – Phase 1a. Then, Phase 1b includes people aged 75 and over and essential frontline workers who do not work in the health sector, such as firefighters, prison guards and public service and transportation workers. The next phase, 1c, includes people aged 65 to 74, people aged 16 to 64 with high-risk medical conditions and other essential workers.

“If the demand is not in one place, move these vaccines to another location,” Adams said on Tuesday on NBC’s Today program.

United States Secretary of Health and Human Services Alex Azar said on Wednesday that he has encouraged governors to go ahead and use “every bit” of the vaccine.

“If for some reason their distribution is struggling, and they are putting vaccines in freezers, then, by all means, you should be opening it up to people aged 70 or over, 65 or over, you should be sure that nursing home patients are being vaccinated, “Azar said on Wednesday.

States begin to change priorities

Some states are aligning members of the public for vaccines.

In Georgia, less than a quarter of the doses of the coronavirus vaccine that were distributed ended up in people’s arms, placing it close to all state efforts, according to CDC data. Until last week, Georgia was one of many states that formally followed the guidance of federal health officials to first vaccinate only health professionals and residents of long-term care facilities before moving on to other vulnerable populations.

No indication that the White House will review the distribution of the vaccine, despite widespread problems

With vaccines suspended, the state is loosening its rules and changing its priorities. The plan? Free the elderly populations.

Last Thursday, Louisiana announced that residents in its Phase 1b group, people aged 70 and over and other health professionals, could start making reservations at pharmacies across the state to obtain a limited number of the Modern vaccine. Covid-19. The health department said on Tuesday that hospitals could use extra doses for any groups currently eligible.

In Charlotte, North Carolina, on Wednesday, Atrium Health said it had moved to Phase 1b based on guidance from the state and the CDC advisory committee, and administered its first doses of vaccine to the general public. According to him, “hundreds” have already made appointments, which are mandatory for vaccination.

“We are working to ensure that the vaccine distribution is inclusive and with as few barriers as possible,” said Dr. Gary Little, medical director at Atrium Health, in a statement. “Scheduling and receiving the vaccine when it is available is the best way for all of us to participate in ending this pandemic, saving many lives in the process.”

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Other states are preparing to open the line – but not now.

New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu praised his state’s vaccination efforts on Tuesday and said he should start vaccinating people in the state’s Phase 1b group – including seniors 75 and older – in mid-January. .

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine said on Tuesday that he expects the state to begin its next phase of vaccine implantation in about two weeks, depending on the availability of the vaccine. Ohio Phase 1b includes people aged 65 and over and people with certain medical conditions, as well as elementary and high school teachers and staff.

In Illinois, Governor JB Pritzker announced that residents aged 65 and over could receive the vaccine in the next phase, which will begin in “a few weeks”.

And in South Carolina, Governor Henry McMaster set a January 15 deadline for people in Phase 1a to receive the vaccine. If these health professionals and nursing home residents do not register by then, they will be “moved to the end of the line” to make room for the next groups.

‘Tight’ budget for massive vaccination efforts

Despite pressure to speed up vaccinations, funding has been a major obstacle.

States submitted vaccination plans to the CDC in the fall, but “haven’t necessarily received all the tools they need to make this a success,” according to Jennifer Kates, senior vice president and director of global health and HIV policy at the Foundation of the Kaiser Family.

Previous legislation provided only about $ 340 million, Kates said. Congress has just approved a stimulus bill that will send more money to states and local jurisdictions for vaccine distribution.

On Wednesday, the US Department of Health and Human Services announced that more than $ 3 billion will go to states to help vaccinate people.

“Hopefully, this will help, but it is late in the process, since states are already implementing vaccines, but the resources are not yet there,” said Kates.

“It’s basically a small effort to make the biggest vaccination effort we’ve ever seen,” said Kates. “They may have plans on paper, but that does not necessarily mean that states are ready to implement them at full speed immediately.”

But if states expand too fast, the demand can be very high and cause more delays and frustration for people who urgently need vaccines.

“Nationally, it is a little rough in some places and better in others, but it is important to remember that we are in the early stages,” said Kates. “I hope this is fixed.

“The last thing you want is for people to get the vaccine and not be able to get it.”

CNN’s Deidre McPhilips, Tina Burnside, Melissa Alonso, Andy Rose and Gisela Crespo contributed to this report.

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