US rolls out Pfizer vaccine in historic “warp speed” campaign

The first batch of Pfizer vaccines rolled out in temperature-controlled vessels, on their way to distribution sites across the United States Sunday, as the nation’s COVID-19 outbreak claims close to 300,000 victims.

The vaccine, first to be approved by the Food and Drug Administration, is set to be disseminated across the country in the biggest U.S. inoculation campaign in history, mere days after the U.K. — one of the worst struck in Europe — launched theirs.

The health officials hope the American public will partake the jabs, even as some have voiced initial skepticism and worry. The first shots have been marked for health care workers and nursing home residents starting Monday.

Speedy delivery and an effective cold chain are key for Pfizer’s delicate storage requirements — about 94 degrees below zero. The vials are currently being transported in freezer cases packed with dry ice.

FedEx Express is moving to deliver some 630 packages of vaccine to distribution sites across the country with United Parcel Service also transporting a share of the vaccine.

Tracked with GPS-enabled sensors, the initial shipments were expected to contain about 3 million doses, with many more to come.

Federal officials say the first shipments of Pfizer’s vaccine will arrive in 145 distribution centers Monday, with another 425 sites getting shipments Tuesday, and the remaining 66 on Wednesday. Doses of the vaccine, co-developed by German partner BioNTech, are given out based on each state’s adult population. The states then decide where the vaccine will head first.

In California, for instance, officials have prioritised hospitals with adequate storage capacity, serving high-risk populations.

The administration of the vaccine requires a follow-up shot in the weeks post-jab, with officials assuring that the doses are being effectively utilised to save reserves.

Senior U.S. government officials, including some White House officials who work in close proximity to President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence, are among those who will be offered coronavirus vaccines as soon as this week, according to AFP.

A survey led by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research estimated that about half the population are racing to be vaccinated, while another quarter aren’t sure. The remaining quarter simply aren’t interested.

This bracket is likely to include anti-vaxxers, but there are others concerned over the rushed production of the vaccines and wish to observe the rollout before getting the jab themselves.

Dr. Stephen Hahn, commissioner of the FDA, which approved the Pfizer vaccine Friday, has stressed that the agency’s decision was based on science, not politics, despite a White House threat to fire him if the vaccine wasn’t approved before Saturday.

Despite the FDA’s claims that the vaccine met “rigorous, scientific standards”, U.K. health officials are currently investigating a string of severe allergic reactions following the rollout last week. The FDA’s instructions tell providers not administer the dose to those with a known history of reactions to any of its ingredients.

The U.S. biotech Moderna is next in line to receive a through review by an expert panel Thursday. If given the green light, its vaccine boasting 94.1% efficacy against the virus could soon be allowed for public use.

[Sourced from Agencies]