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First Vaccines Expected in Mid-December, Say Shelby Co. Health Officials

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Health officials expect the first limited quantities of COVID-19 vaccines to reach Shelby County sometime after Dec. 15. About 22,500 initial vaccine doses will go to the health department for distribution, with another roughly 11,000 going to some area hospitals.

At Monday's Shelby County Commission meeting, officials announced that the earliest recipients will be frontline healthcare workers, first responders and people in long-term care facilities. Additional healthcare providers, teachers and correctional officers would follow.

The health department offered no further details on the logistics of distribution. A spokesperson directed questions to Tuesday’s press briefing. 

The Food and Drug Administration has yet to approve any vaccine, but two pharmaceutical companies—Pfizer and Moderna—are moving closer to possible deployment. Pfizer has already submitted its paperwork to the FDA for emergency approval and Moderna intends to soon. Both companies say their vaccines are about 95 percent effective.

While the general public will have to wait to be innoculated, likely until spring or later, officials are encouraging people to get ready. Health Officer Dr. Bruce Randolph says at least 70 percent of the population will need to be vaccinated, creating enough immunity to end the pandemic. 

“Hopefully that when the FDA gives its final approval, that there will indeed be adequate evidence to show that this vaccine is safe and that it is effective,” he said. 

Both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines require two doses, with the follow-up shot administered several weeks after the first.