CDC to States: Be Ready for COVID-19 Vaccines by November 1

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) urged state health officials to be ready for the distribution of COVID-19 vaccines by November or late October.

CDC's plan to give out COVID-19 vaccines is set a mere two days before Election Day.

Robert Redfield, CDC Director, sent the letter dated August 27 to governors to let them know that the U.S. is contracting with McKesson.

McKesson will distribute the COVID-19 vaccines to local health departments and doctors' offices. They also asked the governors to make sure applications for facilities the company asked will be done promptly.

The letter was first reported on by McClatchy news service and was obtained by CBS News. It was sent in all 50 states, and five large cities and targeted health care workers and other high-risk groups, said a New York Times report.

"CDC urgently requests your assistance in expediting applications for these distribution facilities," it read.

The move is the latest sign of speeding up on the race for a COVID-19 vaccine to ease the burdens of the pandemic. On the same day, President Trump said in a speech at the RNC that a vaccine might be ready by the end of the year.

COVID-19 Vaccine Trials Could Be Cut Short

The request could mean faster access to the vaccines, but it could also cut short COVID-19 vaccine trials, reported USA Today. Making the process faster could allow quick availability of the vaccine if the results are overwhelming, said Dr. Anthony Fauci.

The rush towards a vaccine could be an effort by the Trump administration to hype their coronavirus efforts in time for Election Day. This has caused concern for some skeptics.

As director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Fauci is confident that Election Day's pressure will not sway experts in charge of the vaccine.

Other public health experts also agree that there is an urgent need to prepare a vaccine. But they also recognize that it is a vast and complex effort.

Challenges in COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution

The administration knew there were struggles in giving out millions of vaccines. These vaccines will have to be stored at sub-zero temperatures and given first to high-risk groups.

The health care system in the country also poses another challenge.

CDC itself has said in its guidance that the plan is a hypothetical one. It is based on the need and great efforts put into releasing a vaccine right away.

The CDC is hoping the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will use at least a vaccine or two this year.

Possible Timeline Released by CDC

There were also three planning documents to some health departments sent by the CDC. It had possible timelines for when vaccines become available.

Plans for early vaccination will be built around these documents if supply might be constrained. The ideal scenario for the vaccine is that it will be ready by the end of October, said an ABC News report.

Timelines are still flexible now, as the COVID-19 vaccine landscape is "evolving and uncertain," said the document. It is expected to change once more information has been found regarding the vaccines.

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