With two possible vaccines being released as soon as December, the Alabama Department of Health announced that the COVID-19 vaccine will be free for all Alabamians. According to the press release, healthcare providers and the chronically ill would be the first to receive the vaccine. Residents and workers in long-term care facilities will also be prioritized.
Drug company Moderna announced their vaccine has a 94% effectiveness rate, AL.com reported. This is slightly higher effectiveness than Pfizer’s vaccine, which has a 90% effectiveness. Most vaccines will require two doses taken three to four weeks apart. Dozens of companies have vaccines in the works. There are already large doses of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines being produced and stored.
U.S. Army Gen. Gustave Perna, Chief Operating Officer of Operation Warp Speed, recently spoke with State Health Officer Dr. Scott Harris about how quickly Alabama will receive the vaccinations. The FDA is expecting to spend around two weeks reviewing the vaccine trials before beginning distribution. Once the review is complete, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices will study the data and make recommendations. Once it is confirmed that the vaccine is safe and effective, and when an Emergency Use Authorization is received, vaccine kits will be shipped to several locations statewide.
“All Americans can receive their initial vaccine treatment without any charge, including people with no health insurance. Gen. Perna and State Health Officer Dr. Scott Harris emphasized that the goal is for all people to have access to the free vaccine regardless of their financial status or location. Distribution of the vaccine will be made equitably to those most at risk, the chronically ill and seniors in all 67 Alabama counties.”
