COVID-19 Cases—482,488
COVID-19 Deaths—9,257
COVID-19 Hospitalizations (as of February 15)—44,342
Beginning February 8, vaccine eligibility expanded to include phase 1b and people 65 years and older. The Alabama COVID-19 Vaccination Allocation Plan outlines the various phases, and is available here:
www.alabamapublichealth.gov/covid19vaccine/assets/adph-covid19-vaccination-allocation-plan.pdf
Average 1stDoses of Vaccine Shipped to Alabama Per Week—60,000 to 70,000
Vaccine Doses Administered—648,987
Vaccine Doses Delivered to Alabama—982,000
Alabama Healthcare Providers Enrolled—1,094
COVID-19 Vaccine Delayed Second Doses Due to Inclement Weather
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that if a delay occurs in the normal schedule for receiving a second dose of COVID-19 vaccine, the second dose of Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines may be administered up to 6 weeks (42 days) after the first dose. ADPH will assure the opportunity for people to get their second dose over the next 2 weeks, including providing extended clinic hours as staffing availability permits. ADPH is pleased that there was no loss of vaccine in Alabama due to the inclement weather.
CDC Quarantine Guidance for Vaccinated Persons
ADPH is in the process of implementing new CDC quarantine guidance for vaccinated persons, and will announce changes soon. Vaccinated persons with an exposure to someone with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 are not required to quarantine if they meet all of the following criteria: are fully vaccinated (i.e., ≥2 weeks following receipt of the second dose in a 2-dose series, or ≥2 weeks following receipt of one dose of a single-dose vaccine); are within 3 months following receipt of the last dose in the series; and have remained asymptomatic since the current COVID-19 exposure. Persons who do not meet all 3 of the above criteria should continue to follow current quarantine guidance after exposure to someone with suspected or confirmed COVID-19.
Demographic Information Now Available on COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution Dashboard
The Alabama COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution Dashboard (http://arcg.is/OrCey) has been updated to show how many people have received one or more doses and how many people have received both doses that complete the vaccine series. Demographic information has also been added to the dashboard and can be accessed by selecting the “Demographics” tab at the bottom of the screen. An Alabama Vaccine Report that includes dashboard information in a printable PDF format is now available in the upper right corner of the dashboard, at the “Download AL Vaccine Reports” link.
Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 Vaccine
Johnson & Johnson submitted an application to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for its single-shot COVID-19 vaccine on Thursday, February 4. A phase 3 trial of the vaccine showed an overall efficacy rate of 66% and 85% effectiveness overall in preventing severe illness from COVID-19. The trial demonstrated complete protection against COVID-19 related hospitalization and deaths. We anticipate the Johnson & Johnson vaccine being approved soon, joining the Moderna and Pfizer vaccine options. ADPH encourages the public not to vaccine shop, as all approved COVID-19 vaccines are excellent options.
Be Aware That Vaccine Shortages Remain
Many county health departments are no longer offering first doses of COVID-19 vaccines and are currently administering only second doses to those people at highest risk and whose shots are already scheduled. This is due to the limited supply of vaccine. Please be patient and wait to schedule your own vaccination appointment if you have no underlying health issues or have limited contact with other people. Showing consideration for others will allow your neighbors who may be at higher risk to schedule their COVID-19 vaccinations.
Large-Scale Mass Vaccination Clinics in 8 Alabama Locations
Eight large-scale mass vaccination clinics took place throughout the state February 8-12, with more than 70,000 first doses given out. Clinics were located in Anniston, Birmingham, Dothan, Huntsville, Mobile, Montgomery, Selma, and Tuscaloosa. Attendees will return to the same locations in March to receive their second dose.
Volunteers Supporting ADPH for Vaccine Distribution
As of today, ADPH has 455 medical volunteers, including physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, dentists, and LPNs, verified to support COVID-19 clinical activities. Please email requests to volunteer to Thresa.Dix@adph.state.al.us, and include your discipline, license number and county in which you would like to volunteer.