Washington and Oregon will receive 40 percent fewer doses of Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine than expected, according to reports.
According to KING 5, Washington Gov. Jay Inslee called the news "disruptive and frustrating." With the reduction in place, officials said they expect 44,850 to arrive next week.
"We need accurate, predictable numbers to plan and ensure on-the-ground success. No explanation was given," he said. The governor added that the Centers for Disease Control told him about the cut, and other states are seeing similar reductions.
KPTV reported that Oregon will see 25,350 doses instead of next week. "We need accurate information to make sure Oregonians are receiving COVID-19 vaccinations as quickly as possible," she tweeted Thursday (December 17). The Beaver State is still on track to vaccinate over 100,000 health care workers and long-term care facility residents by the end of the month, state health officials said.
Pfizer said in a statement that there are no production issues and no delayed shipments. "We have millions more doses sitting in our warehouse but, as of now, we have not received any shipment instructions for additional doses," the statement read. The early rounds of Pfizer's vaccine are going to first responders, health care workers and residents in both Washington and Oregon.
"The good news is there’s no indication of a systemic long-term problem," Inslee said.
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