Presidential transition won’t disrupt COVID-19 vaccine distribution, Florida lawmakers say

ORLANDO, Fla. — The first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine could be available within a few weeks, but mass distribution isn’t likely until the spring, after President-Elect Joe Biden is sworn in.

Congressional leaders from Central Florida say they’re taking steps now to ensure there’s no interruption in the distribution process over the transition.

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There are now two COVID-19 vaccines on the verge of being ready for mass distribution, but getting the vaccines to those who need it the most will be a complex undertaking that will span the end of President Trump’s term in office, and the beginning of President Biden’s.

“I am confident in the plan the administration has,” Republican Representative Michael Waltz says. “There is a former head of the Defense Logistics Agency- a general- that’s running the logistics and distribution plan.

Waltz is referring to U.S. Army General Gustave Perna, who’s spent a career handling logistics for the Army.

Perna describes the distribution plan as a “whole of America” approach.

As a member of Operation Warp Speed, his team- as well as the Department of Health and Human Services- has already held meetings with the incoming Biden administration.

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“The virus hasn’t discriminated against Republicans or Democrats or Independents. It infects everyone alike,” Democratic Rep. Stephanie Murphy says. And COVID-infections, she notes, will not pause for a change in Presidents.

This is why returning members of the Florida delegation like Waltz, Murphy, and Darren Soto have continued to work with both the incoming and outgoing administrations to make sure Florida is represented.

“Congressional oversight will be key to ensure a smooth transition, and to make sure we get our fair share of the vaccines coming to Florida,” Soto says.

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Florida is expected to get up to 2 million vaccines by the end of the year, which won’t be enough to cover the state’s healthcare workers and assisted living facility residents, the two groups at the top of Governor Ron DeSantis’ distribution priority list.

That means widespread distribution isn’t likely until sometime in the spring.

Cox Media Group