Area prepares for first wave of COVID vaccine

by Marianne Gasaway 

and Travis Fischer

The first doses of COVID-19 vaccine may reach Iowa as early as next week.

Governor Kim Reynolds gave an update on the status of vaccine distribution on Thursday, Dec. 3, detailing when the first doses are tentatively scheduled to arrive, how many the state will be receiving, and who will get them. 

Two vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna are racing through the federal approval process and are expected to receive emergency approvals from the FDA within the next few days.

“It truly is remarkable to think that before the end of this very challenging year vaccination could be starting here in Iowa,” said Reynolds.

North Iowa medical offices say they are prepared for the vaccine arrival.

Several weeks ago the Iowa Department of Public Health coordinated an application process in an effort to understand what sites would be able to support vaccine storage per specific vaccine temperature requirements, as well as the estimated volume of vaccine storage available in the clinic.  The IDPH has ensured the stability of the vaccine storage by requiring standards for refrigeration and freezer equipment. 

Waypoint Medical, in Clear Lake, has been approved for COVID-19 vaccine storage and handling when the vaccines begin the distribution process.  

“We opened in April prepared with medical grade refrigeration equipment. Our clinic process logs temperatures twice daily, and the monitoring in place will alarm the clinic to any variance of temperature regulation,” said Dr. John Brady, of Waypoint Medical.  “As we learn more about the vaccine and the recommendations for administration, we are prepared to support the inventory and provide the community with a local resource for testing, symptom management, and care as well as preventative efforts to reduce transmission and eliminate the virus. Local Public Health Agencies will determine allocation and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines based

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on the county’s vaccination plan.”

MercyOne is closely following the progress of COVID-19 vaccines, including the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines and Pfizer’s request for emergency use authorization from the FDA and is actively preparing to receive and distribute vaccines when they become available.

“MercyOne has well-established protocols in place to receive, store, and administer vaccinations and is ready to partner with local and state health agencies to help safely distribute COVID-19 vaccines,” hospital officials stated.  “At this time, we do not know how many doses our sites will receive.  While we are encouraged by news about the progress of vaccine development, we must remain vigilant and follow CDC guidelines – including wearing a mask and social distancing – to stop the spread of COVID-19.”

Thrifty White Pharmacy, located in Clear Lake, announced this week that as part of the first initial wave of vaccine, and in partnership with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, its pharmacists will be able to provide access to COVID-19 vaccines to help the most vulnerable elderly patients located in long term care facilities.  Likewise, when they are made available to the general public pharmacists will be able to administer them following federal vaccine prioritization guidelines.

According to state reports, the Pfizer vaccine has reported a 95 percent success rate in protecting against COVID-19. It is currently the vaccine furthest along in the approval process. Approval of the Moderna vaccine, which has a 94.5 percent success rate, is anticipated to follow shortly after.

There are some differences between the two vaccines. The Pfizer vaccine requires ultra cold storage and is only stable at refrigerator temperatures for up to five days, limiting the areas that it can effectively be distributed.

The Moderna vaccine can be stored in more conventional freezers and is stable at refrigerator temperatures for 30 days.

Both vaccines will require two doses, taken three to four weeks apart, to fully inoculate against the novel coronavirus.

“Pending its approval, we anticipate receiving our first shipment of approximately 26,000 doses of the Pfizer vaccine around Dec. 13,” said Reynolds.

Following the initial shipment of Pfizer vaccine, Reynolds expects another 31,000 doses for the week of Dec. 20 and 38,000 doses for the week of Dec. 27.

For the Moderna vaccine, Reynolds anticipates the first shipment of 54,000 doses on December 20 followed by another 24,000 doses the week after.

“In total, that’s 172,000 COVID-19 vaccinations to protect Iowans,” said Reynolds.

With such limited quantities of vaccine to go around, distribution of the first wave will be prioritized for the healthcare system workforce and residents of long term care facilities.

A team of experts, known collectively as the Infectious Disease Advisory Council will provide guidance on how the vaccine will be distributed once the first priority populations are taken care of. More than a thousand providers have signed up to administer the vaccine in the state, with more signing on every day.

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