Thread by @juliettekayyem

THREAD ON VACCINE DISTRIBUTION AND STATES: Lots still to be determined, but worth knowing that states are mapping out planning which falls into 4 categories. 1/

1)Demand: This is tricky. I think polling showing high reluctance is likely to change with vaccine and new Admin. Local and national influencers will be key for tailored engagement. But general population not until summer so have to set expectations of timing as well. 2/

2)Allocation: High priority groups are easy though no definitive fed guidelines yet -- health care/medical; critical infrastructure/teachers/supply chain; over 65; high risk; general population; children (?; some trials with 12-18yos now). States will have some leeway. 3/

Allocation (continued): states are segmenting those populations now so that when supply increases, fed distribution will align (unlike H1N1, this will NOT be a population based distribution). 4/

3)Distribution: Global logistics, inventory management, and then the last mile for vaccine and supporting needs (syringes, dry ice, needles). Defense Production Act comes into play; get industry moving 1/20/20. National Guard/military good for bulk, building mass vax clinics 5/

Distribution (continued): etc. Not so good on last mile. Public health focus on rural and underserved areas which will be harder. Hope is new guidelines for vaccine administration costs coverage for non-medical personnel (volunteers, etc) to administer shots after training. 6/

4)Verification: global and national cards (yes, we will carry or have verification proof). Big fan of carrots and sticks approach here, making things prohibitive (air travel) without vaccination. Employers key: condition employment on verification. Unions too. 7/

That's what I know. All doable. Just complex. Such happy news about vaccines. We can be happy. But until then (for general population think mid-2021), #wearamask #CancelThanksgiving and everything else to help our health workers and our communities.
Have a good Sunday. 8/8