UW Health set to store and distribute Pfizer vaccine
MILWAUKEE, WI (CBS 58) – UW Health in Madison will store and distribute the Pfizer vaccine. The hospital made the announcement on Monday, December 7th.
Hospital officials say they’re hopeful vaccinations will begin before the new year.
Governor Tony Evers has requested enough vaccines to have 450,000 health care workers vaccinated across the state.
Distribution is ready as soon as Pfizer gets the green light.
“we are committed and fully prepared to be able to execute and make sure we can do this the most efficient way for both us and the communities around us”, says Dr. Matt Anderson, UW Health’s senior medical director ambulatory operations.
The hospital’s location within the region makes it ideal for distribution.
Hospital officials also believe their ability to have ultra-cold freezer storage and capacity made them an ideal candidate.
That’s because the Pfizer vaccine must be stored at -94 degrees Fahrenheit.
“it means we will be storing that Pfizer vaccine for our region and then working with DHS to help distribute it to other locations that may not be able to have ultra-cold freezer storage,” says Dr. Anderson.
While this is welcoming news, wide availability of the vaccine is still some time away. The CDC says it could be until next summer.
But, last week’s authorization of the vaccine in the UK raises hopes the first round in the U.S. will happen soon.
Pfizer says they anticipate further authorizations and approvals.
They also say it’s a collective race to end this devastating pandemic.
“We’re going to do our part to make sure the state and others that as the vaccine comes in, we get those people vaccinated as quickly as possible so that we can continue to get that vaccine as the supply allows,” says Dr. Anderson.
With this news, officials are asking the public not to call to get on a waiting list.
They say information will be released once they’re given the green light.
They’re also reminding the community to continue following safety measures like mask wearing, hand washing and avoiding social gatherings.