Arizona, along with almost all of the U.S., is experiencing a third major spike in COVID-19 cases. While local medical professionals are concerned, they’re also optimistic about two vaccines with promising results. KNAU’s Ryan Heinsius reports.
Northern Arizona Healthcare operates the Flagstaff and Verde Valley medical centers. Officials say they’re preparing to become a distribution point for the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, which have each shown 95% efficacy. Healthcare workers and other vulnerable populations will be first in line to be vaccinated.
Officials don’t yet know how many doses will initially be available locally, but say up to 30 million people nationwide could receive a vaccine by the end of January.
NAH says it’s currently examining data and working out logistical distribution challenges. Pfizer’s vaccine must be kept in a deep-cold storage, which many rural clinics can’t provide. So state and county groups in Arizona are working on ways to distribute doses equally outside of cities and on tribal lands.
NAH officials say 70 to 80% of the U.S. population would have to be vaccinated in order to quell the pandemic. In the meantime, they urge the public to continue following safety guidelines and limit holiday gatherings to 10 people or less.
