SACRAMENTO – (INT) – Initial plans for the distribution of an eventual COVID-019 vaccine were announced Monday.

Governor Gavin Newsom has named a group of nationally acclaimed California physician scientists with expertise in immunization and public health to the state’s COVID-19 Scientific Safety Review Workgroup that will independently review the safety and efficacy of any vaccine that receives FDA approval for distribution.

Newsom says he recognizes that supplies will be limited initially and the first doses of vaccines must go to health care workers, first responders and the elderly who are especially vulnerable to this disease.

“While a small number of doses of an FDA-approved vaccine could be deployed before year’s end, the reality is that the COVID-19 pandemic will be with us well into 2021 – and widespread vaccine distribution likely won’t occur for many more months,” said Dr. Erica Pan, Acting State Public Health Officer.

Story Date: November 11, 2020