Dear Neighbors,
Today, Governor Walz announced Minnesota’s COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution Plan. In partnership with the federal government and local communities, the goal is to quickly, equitably, and safely deliver the vaccine to Minnesotans in every corner of the state. No vaccine has been approved yet, but both Pfizer and Moderna have submitted plans for FDA approval, and others are currently in clinical trials. Both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are 95 percent effective – an astounding success rate – and thanks go to the scientists and researchers for this achievement. In both cases, two doses will be required. Despite the quick development timeline, the vaccines have had to meet strict safety guidance and rigorous clinical trials.
The prioritization process wasn’t easy, and the Department of Health’s Vaccine Allocation Advisory Group had to make some difficult choices to maximize the impact with the small amount of vaccine we initially expect to be available – about 183,400 doses. They developed the guidelines following these principles:
- Immunize for impact: Maximize immediate health benefit, reduce death, and minimize the harm created by COVID-19 by starting with those most susceptible to serious complications and those who care for them.
- Equitable distribution and access: Make sure no procedural or structural issues impact access to the vaccine among any particular group or population. And help ensure Minnesotans in every corner and every community know they can trust the process, the safety, and the effectiveness of the vaccine.
- Transparency: Share information as quickly as possible with Minnesotans.
In the short term, the vaccine will be recommended for adults, with clinical trials ongoing to determine how the vaccine works for younger age groups. Due to limited amounts, the vaccine will be distributed in phases. The CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practice (ACIP) has developed priority guidelines for the initial vaccine supply in phases starting later this month once FDA approval is given. Phase 1A will include health care personnel and long-term care residents. Within this phase are sub-prioritization groups. Essential workers are in group 1B including sectors like education, food and agriculture, utilities, police, firefighters, corrections officers, and transportation. Group 1C will include those 65 or older and those with underlying health conditions. In Phase 2, the vaccine will be distributed more broadly.
Across the state, there will be 25 distribution hubs set up to directly receive vaccine deliveries through the national vaccine distribution chain. From there, the vaccine will be distributed further to smaller hospitals or clinics, or “spokes.” COVID-19 vaccines and additional supplies will be distributed at no cost to providers registered for COVID-19 vaccination, and vaccines will be provided to people at no cost. The vaccine will not be mandatory.
Now that a vaccine is at our doorstep, this process will require a bit more patience on everyone’s part. Reaching this point has been an incredibly complex undertaking and there are still some questions unanswered, particularly as it relates to available quantities and specific timing. Still, this is an extremely important milestone in our battle with COVID-19 and gives us a great deal of hope for the future.
In the meantime, please continue to follow public health guidelines including frequent handwashing, getting a test if you have symptoms or if you’ve been around someone with COVID, avoiding gatherings with others, wearing a mask, and practicing physical distancing. All of us continuing to do our part will help protect one another, and ultimately, allow us to return to normal.
Sincerely,
Jen Schultz
State Representative