Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Health, Dr. Courtney N. Phillips
The Biden administration has announced a 5% increase in the number of vaccine doses to be distributed to states, which is a 22% increase since Biden took office. Louisiana Health Secretary Dr. Courtney Philips testified before the House Committee on Energy and Commerce on COVID Vaccines and says Louisiana is prepared.
“We’re ready I think most states are. Our provider partners and residents are equipped to handle this increase allocation,” said Phillips.
The CDC says Louisiana can expect to receive 70-thousand more doses next week after the increase.
According to the CDC Louisiana currently ranks 14th in the percentage of vaccines that have been administered. Phillips said the ranking would be higher because it includes second doses that are being held back so recipients can receive the maximum protection from the virus.
“While we’re proud of the progress we’ve made over the past several weeks, we’re not satisfied with where we stand. We are determined to keep getting better. Louisianans not only desire it, but they also deserve it,” said Phillips.
Phillips praised the federal government’s decision to increase transparency in the distribution of doses and giving states a three-week advance notice of their scheduled allotment because it…
“Allows states time to plan and distribute vaccines more efficiently. This also allows our providers time to adjust for staffing needs and allow appointments to be scheduled further in advance,” said Phillips.
LDH also announced they will join the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program which makes vaccines more accessible. It allows 56 Walmart locations in Louisiana to participate as a provider for vaccines. That begins on February 11th.
To locate a vaccine provider visit COVIDvaccine.la.gov.
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