U.S. health agency sets October 16 deadline for states to submit vaccine plans
U.S. health agency sets October 16 deadline for states to submit vaccine plans
(Reuters) – The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Tuesday set an Oct. 16 deadline for states to submit plans for distributing COVID-19 vaccines – even before it becomes clear when any will be available – according to a presentation to a panel of experts who make recommendations on U.S. vaccines.
The plan is to take into account specific requirements, such as cold storage necessary for vaccines currently in late-stage clinical trials by Pfizer Inc and Moderna Inc, provided to the states on Sept. 16.
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), a group of external medical experts that advises the CDC, had been expected to vote on Tuesday on which population groups should get scarce initial doses of any vaccine that receives approval or emergency use authorization from U.S. regulators. bit.ly/2FUqi5s
A CDC spokeswoman said on Tuesday the vote would not take place, without providing a reason. The next panel meeting is scheduled for Oct. 28 and 29.
Once the U.S. Food and Drug Administration authorizes a vaccine, ACIP will call an emergency meeting to make specific recommendations on distribution priorities, according to ACIP panel member Dr. Beth Bell of the University of Washington.
Bell said the recommendations could be narrower than guidance provided by the FDA for an emergency use authorization. ACIP’s recommendations will be delivered to CDC Director Dr. Robert Redfield, who is tasked with making the final decision on how the vaccines will be used.
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