Gov. Ron DeSantis on Thursday provided an update on Florida’s COVID-19 vaccine distribution plan, saying the state believes a “safe and effective” vaccine will be delivered “relatively soon.”
In a video, DeSantis said that since July, Florida has been planning and preparing for vaccine distribution, including purchasing necessary supplies — five million syringes, five million needles and five million alcohol swabs.
WJCT News partner News4Jax reported that DeSantis expressed optimism about both Pfizer and Moderna reporting vaccines with around 95% effectiveness. Those vaccines are awaiting approval from the Food and Drug Administration.
“Right now, the best estimate that the federal government has is that by the end of December, pending FDA approval, there will be roughly 40 million doses of these two vaccines available -- 25 million for Pfizer and 15 million for Moderna. Each individual requires two doses. That would mean there will be enough vaccine for 20 million Americans by the end of December,” DeSantis said. “The good thing about this is millions of doses are ready to ship as we speak. As soon as the FDA approves, they will then go out within the next 24 hours. We expect our hospitals, hopefully, to receive these within the next three to six weeks.”
Five hospitals throughout the state are prepared to store the vaccine, including UF Health in Jacksonville, News4Jax reported.
This month has brought promising news regarding our efforts to combat COVID-19. The State of Florida is prepared to work with the federal government to distribute vaccines to Florida hospitals in the upcoming weeks, as well as new therapeutic treatments for those most vulnerable. pic.twitter.com/TcVBKrKlEH
— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) November 19, 2020
Read the rest of this story at News4Jax.com.
