Vaccines expected locally in next two weeks

RITZVILLE – Governor Jay Inslee announced Dec. 20 that the Western States’ Scientific Safety Review Workgroup unanimously approved use of the COVID-19 Moderna vaccine and expects the federal government to start shipping the first doses to Washington State this week.

The Western States Workgroup, made up of vaccine experts from Washington, California, Oregon and Nevada, conducted an independent review of the Moderna vaccine data, following its emergency authorization from the FDA and CDC, to ensure it meets safety and efficacy criteria, according to Adams County Health Department spokesperson Karen Potts.

“Last week they conducted a similar review of the Pfizer vaccine, which is already being administered in some Washington Counties,” Potts said. “Based on evidence from clinical trials, both vaccines are effective at preventing laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 illness in people without evidence of previous infection; the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine at 95% effectiveness and the Moderna vaccine 94% effective.”

The Moderna vaccine can be stored at refrigerator temperature (36-46 degrees Fahrenheit), which will allow for broader geographical distribution than the Pfizer vaccine that requires ultra-cold storage conditions.

Potts said a “draft” allocation summary from Washington State Department of Health indicates that 100 doses of the Moderna vaccine are to be shipped to East Adams Rural Hospital during week two of Moderna vaccine distribution.

“The draft allocation statements are preliminary and may shift as orders are actually processed. Information about the vaccines and their availability is constantly being updated,” Potts said. “It is important to remember that everyone should continue to use all the tools available to help stop the spread of the virus as we learn more about how the COVID-19 vaccines work in real-world conditions. Wear a mask or face covering over your nose and mouth when around others, stay at least six feet away from others, avoid crowds, and wash your hands often. These protective actions will remain critical, at least until a substantial number of the population is vaccinated.”