Alabama expects about 10,000 additional doses of the COVID-19 vaccine in the coming weeks, as part of a federal effort to expand vaccination programs.
Alabama health official Dr. Scott Harris said the eligibility changes will mean that about 1.5 million people in the state will be able to receive the vaccine starting February 8.
Health professionals, residents and workers in long-term care institutions, first responders and people aged 75 and over are currently eligible to receive the coronavirus vaccine. Beginning next week, this group will expand to people aged 65 and over, correctional officers, food and agriculture officials, US postal, manufacturing, public transportation and grocery workers, teachers and education workers, daycare centers and members of the judiciary.
10,000 additional doses per week
Speaking at Montgomery today, Harris said the vaccine supply remains the main impediment to reaching more people.
“If you are eligible for a vaccine, we will get one for you,” said Harris. It will take time, however, to get (vaccine) in the state. It will not happen immediately for everyone ”.
Harris said the state’s vaccine allocation will increase by about 10,000 a week through an increase in the federal government. Last week, the Biden administration announced that it would increase the weekly allocation of vaccines sent to the state by 500,000, an increase that is separate from other efforts to send about 1 million doses to pharmacies across the country. Alabama expects to see an additional 14,000-15,000 doses per week through this program.
Harris said he expects the increase of 10,000 a week to be a “stable amount” with the state receiving about 55,000-60,000 doses a week in the short term.
Alabama currently administered approximately 436,962 COVID vaccines with 78,276 people completing the two-cycle regimen.
Eight cities will host mass vaccination sites next week. You can see more about it here.