Healthcare providers across North Texas are starting to fine-tune their plans for getting a coronavirus vaccine to the masses.
So far two possible vaccines have shown promise. One made by Pfizer needs to be stored at -70 degrees Fahrenheit, the other by Moderm needs to be stored in a cool place.
Some counties have already bought the deep freezers to store the vaccine that Pfizer is making in the event it arrives first. But nearly every county has an outline for how to distribute the vaccine.
"It's going to be going either from the manufacturer or from the distributor directly to the vaccinators who are going to be using it" said Chris Van Deusen, director of media relations at the Texas Department of State Health Services. He adds the state will not play a role in the distribution. Rather administrators in Austin will take charge of registering those who will administer the shots.
"If you go to Target or to Kroger to pick up your groceries and get your flu shots it looks like we may be working in concert with them as well" said Jennifer Rainey, spokeswoman for Denton County.
Most authorities seems on the same page with who will get the first vaccinations. First responders, such as nurses, doctors, police and firefighters will be among the first, most likely toward the end of December if the development stays on the present trajectory. The elderly and those with underlying medical conditions would also be put to the front of the list.
