The US reported 3,435 deaths last week, the highest single-day total to date. The US is averaging more than 2,500 deaths per day and still increasing. At this pace, the US could surpass 330,000 cumulative deaths—approximately 1 death for every 1,000 people—in the next 9-10 days. We can’t get everyone vaccinated too soon. CSSE is reporting 17,370,311 positive cases in the U.S. and 312,524 deaths. DOH reported 1,181,483 confirmed cases in Florida last week, with 20,401 deaths.
The US Vaccine and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee (VRBPAC) recommended that the US FDA issue an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for Moderna’s candidate SARS-CoV-2 vaccine, based on Phase 3 clinical trial data. The FDA is expected to issue the EUA today, which would make the Moderna vaccine the second vaccine authorized for use in the US. VRBPAC recommended the Moderna vaccine for adults aged 18 years and older, administered in 2 doses spaced 28 days apart.
One major advantage of the Moderna vaccine over the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine is its cold chain requirements. The Moderna vaccine can be stored at 36-46°F (2-8°C), which is similar to standard freezers and refrigerators, as opposed to -112°F to -76°F (-80°C to -60°C) for the Pfizer/BioNTech formulation.
Based on the associates and medical staff who have registered for the vaccines, we have 1900 doses of the Moderna vaccine for Oak Hill and we should start receiving those doses next week. Vaccinations will be scheduled according to the tiering system recommended by the CDC for those individuals who have registered.