PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — The FDA is set to consider its approval of Pfizers 2-dose vaccine next week and then will consider the Moderna vaccine a week later.
Dr. Joe Sullivan, a senior health adviser with the Oregon Health Authority, told KOIN 6 News when and how the vaccine may first appear in the state.
“On the 15th (of December) we are expecting to see 35,100 of Pfizer,” he said. “On the 22nd, 71,000 of the Moderna vaccine.” After the initial distribution Oregon expects a weekly allocation of the COVID vaccine, but those numbers aren’t set yet.
Sullivan said it’s “a big thing to roll out” while trying to get it where it needs to go and meet the demand.
Oregon is prioritizing health care workers, nurses, doctors and other working and living with or near COVID patients for the first available vaccinations. Registration cards will be used to keep track of people who receive the vaccinations.
Most vaccine options will require 2 doses, and like many vaccines it is possible you’ll feel some mild side effects after the first shot.
“When we first give the vaccine, the body starts to develop its immune response, but it’s really that second shot that super charges, boosts the immunity,” Sullivan said. “So someone getting one vaccine is going to be woefully inadequate. So it’s going to be critical that they get the second vaccination to complete that series.”
Sullivan’s request of the public: Be patient during the rollout.