DEPARTMENT: Health
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Sandra Guerra, MD, MPH, Interim Deputy Public Health Director
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: Citywide
SUBJECT: A briefing on COVID-19 vaccines and distribution plans
SUMMARY:
Metro Health will provide a presentation on the COVID-19 Vaccines and the strategy being implemented for distribution and administration. This will include discussing the three-phase approach implemented by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS).
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
Vaccine candidates for COVID-19 have been in development and are on the cusp of being available for distribution and administration. Two leading vaccine candidates, one developed by Pfizer and the other by Moderna, have submitted their clinical trial findings for review to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Metro Health has been in communication with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) to coordinate efforts in the area once the vaccine becomes available. The Department will be following the phased approach to vaccine administration that has been developed by the CDC and was further updated by DSHS. The approach is implemented to prioritize vaccine administration for critical populations while supplies are limited. Metro Health will serve as a vaccine provider and has engaged various stakeholders to participate on the Vaccine Implementation Planning Committee to provide input on the priorities for the vaccines allotted to the Department.
ISSUE:
Metro Health would like the opportunity to brief the Community Health and Equity Committee on COVID-19 vaccines.
ALTERNATIVES:
This item is for briefing purposes only.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact at this time.
RECOMMENDATION:
This item is for briefing purposes only.