PA Department of Health Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine said if the federal approval process stays on track, Pennsylvania could see a COVID-19 vaccine by next month. However, she warned everyone to prepare to wear masks and follow health and safety guidelines through the end of 2021.
"It could take a significant amount of time to immunize everyone in Pennsylvania. I anticipate that we're going to be wearing masks into 2021, well into maybe the end of 2021," said Dr. Levine.
Who will get the vaccine first in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania is planning to distribute the vaccine following a three-phased approach under guidance from the CDC. The PA Department of Health is anticipating extremely limited dosages of the vaccine in the beginning of its distribution.
Phase 1: Focuses on healthcare personnel, first responders, critical workers and individuals with high-risk conditions. "Once more vaccine becomes available, the department will expand its vaccine distribution to additional healthcare providers, people at higher risk and critical workers," the state said.
Phase 2: In this phase, larger doses of the vaccine are expected to be in supply. "This phase will focus on those involved in broader healthcare administration, those with barriers to access to care, those contributing to the maintenance of core societal functions and those at elevated risk due to working or living conditions," the state said.
Phase 3: This phase will focus on the populations not identified in Phases 1 and 2.
Read the state's entire COVID-19 vaccination distribution plan here.
What vaccine could I get and how many doses will I need?
Pfizer and Moderna both recently announced COVID-19 vaccinations that are up to 95% effective. Dr. Levine said the Pfizer vaccine is expected to come out in December and the Moderna vaccination could be released in late December or early January. Dr. Levine said four other possible vaccinations are still being studied as well.
"Five out of the six will require two doses, including the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines," said Dr. Levine.
Therefore, the state will also need to track who received the vaccine and what doses.
"We have to get the right vaccine in the right arm at the right time," said Dr. Levine, who said the state is working with the federal government on ways to track the distribution.
Possible side effects
"Every treatment can have some side effects, but there have been no serious side effects," said Dr. Levine. "You know most of the side effects have been some soreness at the site, maybe some tiredness or headache. But, the evidence so far is that they're very well tolerated."
When will the Federal Government approve it so states can begin distributing the vaccine?
The federal government has named its coronavirus vaccination efforts 'operation warp speed.' Multiple vaccinations are being researched simultaneously. Vaccines must got through different approaches to make sure the vaccinations are safe and effective.
"Clinical trials on the COVID-19 vaccine continue with six drug manufacturers in the United States," said Dr. Levine. "We are watching these trials carefully to see how people respond to the vaccines and to learn of any potential side effects."
"At this time Pfizer, working with the German technology firm BioNTech as well as Moderna are the two companies close to finishing their phase 3 trials. Soon after phase 3 is complete both companies will the request an emergency use authorization through the FDA, or the Federal Food and Drug Administration. Once the FDA completes their review about the vaccines the FDA will grant an EUA (emergency use authorization)," said Dr. Levine. Following that EUA she said, the CDC will then issue recommendations for the vaccines. Once a vaccine is approved the department works to distribute the vaccine between manufacturers and providers.
A date has not yet been released to the state on when the coronavirus vaccination will be approved or received.
Storing the vaccine and securing it
Storing the COVID-19 vaccine is a challenge for states, as the vaccine must be stored at extreme cold temperatures.
The state said it is also working on plans to help health care workers secure the vaccine and make plans for crowd control.