By Zach Hester, Reporter • zach@southerntorch.com

ALABAMA — The first doses of a COVID-19 vaccine could be available in Alabama as soon as December, according to a statement from Alabama Public Health (ADPH).

According to ADPH, “large amounts of vaccine from different companies have already been produced and stored while clinical trials are ongoing.” 

Over the last week, both Moderna and Pfizer have released positive results from their respective vaccine candidates, which both use the same technology. Other companies still have vaccines in the works. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is expected to take two weeks to review all data before distributing any doses of an approved vaccine.

In addition, there will be no charges for the vaccine, regardless of insurance coverage.

As previously reported, ADPH has announced its three-phase approach to distributing a COVID-19 vaccine. Initial doses of the vaccine will be distributed to healthcare workers, first responders, and those with chronic illnesses and other high-risk categories; followed by education efforts to target critical populations not reached by phase one; and finally, special attention for communities with low vaccination coverage.

For more information, please visit alabamapublichealth.gov.