The Department of Health and Social Services in Alaska has been reporting record numbers of COVID-19 infections in the state. But according to the Alaska COVID-19 Task Force, help may soon be on the way in the shape of a coronavirus vaccine. KTNA’s Colleen Love has more.
The FDA is scheduled to meet and review two applications for emergency use COVID-19 vaccinations during the next two weeks, and according to current estimates, Alaska could begin to receive the vaccinations by the end of this month. Alaska’s initial allocations would be 35,100 of the vaccinations manufactured by Pfizer, and 17,900 doses of the vaccinations manufactured by Moderna.
There are a few differences between the two products, although both require two doses for the vaccination to be effective. The Pfizer product requires storage in an ultra-cold freezer and requires two doses given exactly 21 days apart. Moderna’s version does not require ultra-cold storage and requires two doses given exactly 28 days apart.
Alaska’s COVID-19 Task Force consists of over 50 people, focusing on the unique distribution challenges of Alaska. In many states, the vaccine can be taken directly to large hospitals. But the logistics of distribution in Alaska are immense, and the task force plans to use more of a hub and spoke concept, in order to get the vaccine out to small remote communities. Should Alaskans feel excited about this? Dr. Anne Zink, Chief Medical Officer for the State of Alaska, says yes.
“It’s going to be, honestly a game changer in ways. There are so many things that are tied into this response that, not only is it the vaccine itself, but its also how we are able to then reallocate resources. So if we’re able to protect people in long term care facilities from getting seriously ill from Covid, then we’re able to kind of pull off all of the testing that we’re doing there and the PPE, and be able to pull that out and be able to reallocate it to other critical infrastructure workers and to schools.”
One of the challenges with the Pfizer vaccination is the ultra-cold storage requirement, however, Prizer plans to ship its vaccine in an ultra-cold storage unit. The unit can maintain the critical temperature for up to twenty days, as long as it is replenished with dry ice.
The question remains, Who in Alaska will be eligible for the first 53,000 doses of the vaccine?” Dr. Zink says the vaccines will be distributed using a three phased approach. The first phase of vaccines will go to essential workers and critical populations, such as those in nursing homes or those at high risk for serious COVID illness.
Phase 2 involves vaccinating more of the general public and Phase 3 will target the entire population. Dr. Zink is reminding the public that the vaccination is voluntary but encouraged. She feels that the new vaccine will make a big difference in Alaska.
“I’ve described before, it’s kind of like landing a plane. I think it’s going to be a turbulent couple months, but the end is in sight and we are just trying to be as diligent and mindful as we possibly can and to promote the health and well-being and this is a huge tool in our toolbox.”
