“Our model achieves the goal of getting shots in arms as soon as possible, and addresses some of the underlying equity challenges that have been present in vaccine distribution,” the letter said.
COTA is an ideal location to pilot a large-scale vaccination campaign, Brown said, because of its proximity to all four counties involved. The pilot event this weekend would especially serve school district employees from Travis, Caldwell, Hays and Bastrop counties that fall into Phase 1B of coronavirus vaccine distribution, including people over the age of 65 and those with certain high-risk health conditions. Appointments will be required; Brotherton said the counties would ask school districts to recommend qualified candidates.
However, Dr. Mark Escott, Austin-Travis County interim health authority, said broader distribution of the vaccine could be on the horizon with the approval of a new vaccine manufactured by Johnson & Johnson and Janssen Pharmaceuticals. Johnson & Johnson published the results of its Phase 3 clinical trials Jan. 29, announcing a 72% protection rate in United States trials once 28 days have elapsed since vaccination. Within 50 days, protection rises to 100%, Escott said.
“There are lots of benefits to this vaccine in terms of the public health response,” he said. “Primarily, it s a single dose, which makes it a lot easier to get people effectively vaccinated, and it only requires refrigeration, so it makes it easier to get out.”
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Dripping Springs City Council, school board open filing period for upcoming elections
The city of Dripping Springs and the Dripping Springs ISD board of trustees will hold elections in May. (Community Impact staff)
The city of Dripping Springs and the Dripping Springs ISD board of trustees will hold elections in May. (Community Impact staff)
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