First US coronavirus vaccines could arrive on Dec. 12

WASHINGTON (AP) – The head of the U.S. effort to produce a coronavirus vaccine says the first immunizations could happen on Dec. 12.

A Food and Drug Administration advisory committee is set to meet Dec. 10 to discuss Pfizer Inc.’s request for an emergency use authorization for its developing COVID-19 vaccine.

Pfizer and its German partner BioNTech recently announced that the vaccine appears 95% effective at preventing mild to severe COVID-19 disease in a large, ongoing study.

Dr. Moncef Slaoui, head of the Operation Warp Speed, the coronavirus vaccine program, says plans are to ship vaccines to states within 24 hours of expected FDA approval.

Slaoui told CNN he expects vaccinations would begin on the second day after approval, Dec. 12

The Washington State Hospital Association is optimistic about the timeline.

"The very first round will go to especially the folks who work in the intensive care units, emergency departments and the first responders but it's being manufactured quickly so it's a fast ramp," WSHA president Cassie Sauer said.

In King County, the Public Health Department says details on prioritization are still being ironed out.

One thing that has been made clear locally is the need for federal resources to help states build out their cpacity so that when the vaccine is rolled out, it can be done so in a rapid manner.

On Wednesday, the Washington State Department of Health is holding a briefing to further discuss coordination and planning for COVID-19 vaccine distribution.