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COVID vaccine: In R.I., first responders, healthcare workers go first

Providence Journal - 11/25/2020

Although a vaccine for COVID-19 may be months away, Rhode Island has submitted a draft plan to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on how it would handle the distribution of a vaccine and who would get it first.

The state Department of Health submitted a 51-page document that identifies three phases for delivering the vaccine, based on its availability and the groups most at risk for contracting the virus. Nov. 1 is the deadline for submitting such plans.

Phase 1: Healthcare workers and first responders

In the first phase, when the supply is limited, the state will target high-risk healthcare workers and first responders.

Phase 2: Booster shots, pre-existing conditions and elderly

In the second phase, as more vaccine becomes available and those in the first category have received their second dose (in the event of a two-dose vaccine series), people with significant health conditions and older adults in congregate or overcrowded settings will be vaccinated.

As supply increases, the following groups will be given priority: public school teachers and staff, child-care providers, critical workers in high-risk settings, people and staff in homeless shelters and group homes, incarcerated individuals and staff, those with moderate health conditions and older adults.

Phase 3: Office workers, children

Although Rhode Island expects to have enough supply to meet demand in the third phase, the state will prioritize young adults, children and workers in industries critical to the economy.

Who will be tasked with overseeing the vaccine rollout

Rhode Island plans to distribute the vaccine in two ways.

The first approach would be open to the general public and would be run by the local city or town.

The second system would be private and limited to those on a predefined list. These would be run by existing medical organizations such as a hospital or nursing home. The vaccine could also be provided by health-care professionals at non-medical sites.

The National Guard will continue to provide their support during the vaccination effort.

Meanwhile, the federal government has offered to provide the vaccine directly to long-term care facilities, the Department of Defense, major chain pharmacies and federally recognized tribes. In some cases, the federal government will also provide staff to administer the vaccine.

As the supply increases, distribution will expand, increasing access to the vaccine to a larger population.

lborg@providencejournal.com

(401) 277-7823

On Twitter: @lborgprojocom

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: COVID vaccine: In R.I., first responders, healthcare workers go first

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