Drugmaker Pfizer says they plan to file within days for emergency use with the FDA for their COVID-19 vaccine. As case numbers continue to increase along with hospitalizations Governor John Bel Edwards said he’s 100-percent confident once vaccines are approved by the FDA, they are safe for use.
“I have been briefed on this regularly from the White House and I believe that all of the steps to ensure the safety and efficacy have been in place,” said Edwards.
The governor is optimistic that the state will begin to receive an allotment before the end of the year and when the vaccine is available, he highly encourages residents to be vaccinated, however…
“You’ve got to be patient cause it’s not going to be available in the number of doses we need for everyone, we’re going to focus on healthcare workers and we’re going to focus on elderly people in congregant living, where there are nursing homes, assisted living and that sort of thing at first.
After first responders and the more vulnerable population, Edwards anticipates the general public will be able to be vaccinated for COVID in the same manner we currently receive flu shots, at health clinics and pharmacies, however, Pfizers’ vaccine is two injections three weeks apart and Moderna is two injections 28 days apart.
“Logistically this is going to be very, very difficult for the reasons I just told you but also because of the ultra-cold storage requirement of the Pfizer vaccine, that I believe it’s minus 80 degrees that it has to be store at,” said Edwards.
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