RI Ranks Among the Worst for Vaccine Utilization - GoLocal Daily RI Vaccination Update
GoLocalProv News Team
RI Ranks Among the Worst for Vaccine Utilization - GoLocal Daily RI Vaccination Update
1. Rhode Island Continues to Rank at the Bottom for Percentage of Vaccine Usage, According to Report
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTAccording to a state-by-state comparison developed by Bloomberg, Rhode Island's vaccination program continues to rank among the lowest for percentage of population receiving 1-dosage (39th) and percentage of vaccine utilized (43rd ranked).
2. RIDOH Finally Alert Physicians About Vaccination Program
Nearly two months after Rhode Island's vaccination program began, the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) finally issued an overview of the availability of vaccination program to physicians in Rhode Island.
This is the first overview of the state’s program provided to doctors across the state. The potentionally largest aspect of the program -- state-run vaccination programs -- are still not implemented. The local initiaitves only began last week in a select number of communities and pharmacy distribution began this week at a limited number of CVS stores and will begin on Sunday at Walgreens.
The Department of Health has not issued an updated overview to the public on the state's vaccination program in weeks.
Here is what RIDOH wrote to physicians:
COVID-19 Vaccine Provider Advisory
The Rhode Island Department of Health is sharing an update on the COVID-19 vaccine rollout. Here is what RIDOH wrote to physicians:
Three channels for COVID-19 vaccination
Similar to COVID-19 testing in the state, there will be different ways to get vaccinated in Rhode Island. The three main ways that people will be able to get vaccinated are (1) State-run vaccination centers, (2) designated local pharmacies, and (3) other local and regional vaccination sites, like clinics run by cities and towns, some hospitals and healthcare systems, community health centers, and other sites in the community. Everyone will follow the same vaccination timeline and eligibility requirements.
However, some will move through their priority populations at different speeds due to population size and operational capacity.
State-run vaccination sites
These sites are not yet open to the public.
Eligible Rhode Islanders will be able to sign up for appointments as vaccine supply increases.
Appointments will be limited and taken on a first-come first-served basis.
Local pharmacies
Limited vaccine will be available to eligible individuals by appointment only at select retail pharmacies.
CVS Health
Vaccines in select retail pharmacies will be offered on an appointment-only basis via CVS.com or through the CVS Pharmacy app, and those without online access can contact customer service: 1-800-746-7287.
Appointments for individuals age 75 years or older will become available for booking as early as February 6.
Walgreens
Appointments can be made at select retail pharmacies through Walgreens' updated appointment scheduler at Walgreens.com/ScheduleVaccine or by calling retail pharmacies.
Appointments for individuals age 75 years or older will become available for booking as early as February 7.
Local and regional vaccine sites
Municipalities
Cities and towns throughout Rhode Island have been scheduling appointments for eligible residents at municipal vaccination clinics throughout the state. To learn more about your city/town process, reach out to them directly. Appointments are required at all vaccination sites.
3. RI Now Has Utilized 58% of Its Vaccine
RIDOH officials continue to struggle to get Rhode Islanders vaccinated.
According to the CDC and updated on Friday, RI has now:
Received 178,600 doses
Administered 103,876 doses
Of the vaccine doses received, RI has utilized 58%
Updated 2/5/2021
4) European Union Countries Block Use of AstraZeneca Vaccine for 65+
France 24 reports that the number of European Union countries who are blocking the use of the AstraZeneca vaccine for usage by 65 and over continues to grow. The vaccine has not yet been submitted to the FDA in the United States for review.
The top French health authority on Tuesday cleared AstraZeneca's Covid-19 vaccine for use, but advised against giving it to people over 65.
The decision echoes an earlier verdict by Swedish authorities, but is at odds with the European Union which last week approved the vaccine for adults of all ages.
France's HAS health authority also said that pharmacists would be authorised to administer the jabs produced by the Anglo-Swedish firm.
Tuesday's conditional backing for the vaccine comes days after President Emmanuel Macron told reporters that the vaccine was "quasi ineffective for people over 65."
Germany and Italy have also said that other vaccines should be given priority for the elderly.