A COVID-19 vaccine tentatively is being scheduled for delivery to all Americans by Spring 2021, according to Dr. Anthony Fauci. State health officials across the country are gearing up for a historic vaccination effort to distribute hundreds of millions of doses, prioritize first available, and ensure people who get those initial shots return for a necessary second round. A push may come as early as December, when federal officials say the first vaccine may be authorized for emergency use, and immediately deployed to high-risk groups (i.e. health care workers). “The cavalry is coming,” Fauci told ABC’s “Good Morning America." He said he hopes shots will be available to all Americans in April, May and June. Pfizer lifted hopes saying that early data suggests the vaccine is 90 percent effective. In Louisiana, state health officials are planning a remote exercise this week to play out different scenarios exploring how the process might unfold. “If you get 10,000 doses, what are you going to do, versus 100,000 doses?” said Dr. Frank Welch, director of Louisiana's immunization program. State and local officials are planning for the possibility of the first shipments won’t be enough to cover everyone that is a high-priority. Preparations are also happening at the federal level. Welch listened in on a “war-gaming” session by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (Source: The AP 11/12/20) https://www.stripes.com/news/us/states-ramp-up-for-biggest-vaccination-effort-in-us-history-1.651941
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