By Madelyn Curtis

Across the United States, many people are finally receiving the vaccine for COVID-19. Both the Moderna and the Pfizer vaccines have been made available throughout the country. But each state’s different method of distribution has caused some controversy.

Photo credit: Martino Gian.

Since the number of vaccines is still limited, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released their recommendation of who should be prioritized, based on health risks. Most states have followed the recommendations and given preference to three groups. Healthcare workers have been deemed first in line, due to their proximity to patients with compromised immune systems. The other two groups that have priority are people over 65 and those who are at-risk for the coronavirus due to underlying health conditions, such as asthma, diabetes, and heart disease. Essential workers who do not work in healthcare have also been named one of the first groups that are able to receive the vaccine. 

The CDC has also created phases in order to organize the prioritization of distribution. There are three phases, consisting of smaller groups. The first phase includes two subdivisions. Phase 1a lists first responders and healthcare workers who are at risk, while Phase 1b includes people with underlying health conditions and elderly people who live in group homes. The following two phases list the rest of the population in an order based on risk factors.

Each state has now taken control over their own vaccine distribution. The phases still differ between states, which has caused much confusion. Some states are succeeding at efficiently administering the vaccine to prioritized individuals, while others lack a sufficient process.

As of January 26, the state of West Virginia has the second highest percentage of their citizens who have gotten the first dose, at 9.8%. West Virginia’s process for issuing the vaccine follows five steps. First, citizens are identified as part of groups in the current phase, and they are sent an email with a survey. They must then fill out the survey to be placed on the waiting list. The person will get an email instructing them to make an appointment when they are able to receive the vaccine. They will then make an appointment for the first dose. 

West Virginia has been successful in their allocation of the vaccine because their plan is organized and clearly outlined on their website. A unique part of West Virginia’s plan was their decision to not use CVS and Walgreens stores for the distribution. Rather, the state is using local pharmacies, providing them with much success. Unfortunately, other states have struggled to efficiently distribute the vaccine shipments they have received.

Meanwhile, Alabama has one of the lowest percentages of citizens who have received the first dose in the United States, at 4.5%. The state’s current method of distribution is using a hotline, as described on Alabama Public Health’s website. Residents of Alabama who are allowed to call the hotline include first responders, people over 75, and front-line workers. People who want the vaccine, in these categories, call the telephone number listed on the website to set up an appointment. The Alabama Public Health website states that there was an “overwhelming amount of calls,” and not all callers are receiving an appointment. This method has proved to be not as effective as West Virginia’s plan.

Photo credit: Abel F. Ros.

As for Virginia, the percentage of the state population who has been given the first dose of the vaccine is currently at 4.9%, which ranks in the bottom half of the United States.

In an effort to improve the distribution, Governor Ralph Northam gave a press conference on January 14 about the new plan to increase the number of vaccinations in Virginia by allowing essential workers and people with health conditions that cause them to be at-risk. Teachers are now a part of Phase 1b, and many teachers at Collegiate have been setting up their appointments. Upper School history teacher Suzanne Lewis described her vaccination experience as “easy” and organized. She said that “within five minutes, I had my vaccine.”

Virginia’s method is to fill out a survey on the Virginia Department of Health website, which indicates which phase the person is in based on their health conditions and occupation. If they qualify, the person can then submit their email to get in line for the vaccine.

In a press conference for the Virginia Department of Health, Dr. Danny Avula said that since Virginia is moving into Phase 1b, there will be “a lot more vaccine flowing” in the coming weeks.

States are struggling with the distribution of the vaccine, along with encouraging their citizens to receive it. Some people are hesitant to take a vaccine that was developed in under a year. Healthcare officials and government workers are attempting to assure citizens that it is safe by posting pictures to social media of their vaccine experiences.

The rates of vaccine distribution are extremely varied throughout the United States. But persistence is necessary, as Bloomberg describes the vaccine as the “best chance of ending a scourge that has claimed more than 2 million lives and triggered global economic calamity.”

Featured photo credit: Christian Emmer.