Florida stands ready to distribute and administer COVID-19 vaccine when it’s available

ORLANDO, Fla. — So many treatments have been developed for COVID-19, but the ultimate goal is a vaccine.

While experts said it won’t be available for months, Florida leaders are getting ready to distribute the vaccine once it is here.

The planning process includes evaluating inventory, purchasing supplies and stockpiling resources.

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The Florida Division of Emergency Management announced it’s been preparing for months and stands ready to work alongside the Florida Department of Health to distribute a coronavirus vaccine when it is available.

When will a COVID-19 vaccine be available?  It’s unknown right now.

Florida has purchased 5 million syringes and 5 million alcohol swabs. Those are all in a warehouse ready to go.

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In mid-September, the Florida Division of Emergency Management bought more than $500,000 worth of needles to add to the existing stockpile of resources and ongoing supply purchases.

All the vaccine trials have, of course, been part of the federal government’s push to supply and deliver a safe and effective vaccine.

It could be an injection, a nasal spray, a single dose or a double dose. It’s not known which trial will make it to the finish line first.

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When a vaccine is available, it is expected to go to health care professionals, law enforcement officers and other people deemed as high-risk individuals first before it’s available to the general public.

In the meantime, doctors and scientists say the best tool right now is still a mask.

Cox Media Group