Getting COVID-19 vaccine into the arms of Alabamians as quickly as possible is our goal. ADPH is conducting clinics daily, including drive-though clinics in some counties. Limited vaccine remains the greatest challenge in Alabama and other states.
COVID-19 Cases—500,081
COVID-19 Deaths—10,150
COVID-19 Hospitalizations (as of March 7)—46,052
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—100,000-110,000
Vaccine Doses Administered—1,087,621
Vaccine Doses Delivered to Alabama—1,551,205
Alabama Healthcare Providers Enrolled—1,159
CDC Interim Public Health Recommendations for Fully Vaccinated People
The CDC has issues its first set of recommendations (www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/fully-vaccinated-guidance.html) on activities that people who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 can safely resume. The new guidance includes recommendations for how and when a fully vaccinated individual can visit with other people who are fully vaccinated and with other people who are not vaccinated. This guidance represents a first step toward returning to everyday activities in our communities. CDC will update these recommendations as more people are vaccinated, rates of COVID-19 in the community change, and additional scientific evidence becomes available. CDC resources to help people make informed decisions when they are fully vaccinated are now available here, www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/fully-vaccinated.html.
Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 Vaccine
Some 37,900 doses of Johnson & Johnson vaccine have been strategically placed throughout the state with providers to leverage our current infrastructure. The remaining providers are being validated to ensure that they have the capacity to store the vaccine, with plans for the remaining 2,200 doses to be sent out today.
Spring Break Gatherings Can Drive Up COVID-19 Cases
COVID-19 continues actively circulating in Alabama, including the more transmissible B.1.1.7 (UK) variant. Spring breakers and their families are reminded that all precautions should be taken during this time if we want to continue the downward trajectory of COVID-19 cases. Spring break trips to locations where crowds of people from throughout the county gather can lead to more infections, especially as the variants threaten. The risk of closer contact with others, especially when combined with increased alcohol use, can lead to asymptomatic spread. Even though COVID-19 cases are decreasing, it is extremely important that everyone continue to follow mitigation standards during spring break and at other seasonal gatherings. Students and their families need to do their part and do the right thing by wearing masks, practicing social distancing, and washing hands frequently. Caution and vigilance are still needed.
Alabama National Guard Mobile Vaccination Teams to Deploy to Underserved Areas
Plans are underway for the Alabama National Guard to hold mobile COVID-19 vaccination clinics in Alabama counties with a high social vulnerability index (SVI) beginning March 23. While details are being developed, the initial concept is that mobile vaccination teams will hold the clinics in two locations four days a week to provide up to 1,000 vaccinations daily. Sites will be in areas where access and transportation needs are especially great and in populations which are difficult to reach. Details will be announced soon, but most will be in the Black Belt region.
Federal Pharmacies Tab Added to COVID-19 Vaccine Dashboard
A federal pharmacy tab has been added to the Vaccine Distribution and Vaccine Clinics Dashboards. The map shows CVS, Sam’s Club, and Walmart locations throughout the state that are offering COVID-19 vaccination through theFederal Retail Pharmacy Program. Both dashboards can be accessed via the Alabama COVID-19 Dashboard Hub, located at: arcg.is/0brSGj