Baker sets priorities for who’ll get vaccine first
The medical community is months away from mass production and distribution of a viable coronavirus vaccine, but Gov. Charlie Baker said the state is getting a plan ready that would connect those most in need with vaccines first.
“The plan lays out initial steps in our state’s planning for a robust, comprehensive and equitable vaccine distribution system once one or more vaccines are available here in the commonwealth,” Baker said Tuesday, speaking at a press conference in Revere.
Baker said the “interim” plan “will probably change as more information becomes available.”
Medical and essential workers, people over 65 and those with underlying conditions that put them at high risk of death if infected will be first in line for vaccines, Baker said.
It’s likely Massachusetts would only have access to a “limited” number of vaccines at first, Baker said.
Baker also said state medical experts would only sign off on vaccine distribution if they have “a high degree of confidence” the the vaccine is safe and effective. The federal Operation Warp Speed program that is facilitating expedited vaccine research and approval has drawn criticism in recent months for moving too fast.
“That’s going to be a function both of federal data, but also the review of our folks here in Massachusetts
on the advisory committee would put to it as well,” Baker said.
Massachusetts is among a growing number of states that have seen coronavirus cases start to spike in recent weeks. Sixtythree communities are now considered at high risk for infection, up from 40 a week before.
Revere Mayor Brian Arrigo joined Baker at his appearance on Tuesday, highlighting the importance of good hygiene, testing and contact tracing as the state approaches the winter months expected to bring about a dreaded second surge.
Arrigo said coronavirus cases are already “on the rise” in his city where the average single-day case count has spiked to 22 — double that of last week’s average.