Tennessee One Of Four States Chosen To Test Delivery Of COVID Vaccine

Tennessee is one of four states that have been chosen to participate in a pilot program to test coronavirus vaccine delivery and deployment. Pfizer announced last week that its COVID-19 vaccine candidate has shown around a 90% effectiveness.

"This pilot program and our collaboration with U.S. and state officials will help us prepare for broader vaccine deployment in the near future, subject to authorization or approval, as we work to address this urgent public health need," said Angela Hwang, Group President, Pfizer Bio Group President, Pfizer Biopharmaceuticals Group.

Rhode Island, Texas, and New Mexico are also participating in the pilot program. According to Pfizer, the states were chosen because of the difference in size, diverse populations, and immunization infrastructure. However, those participating in the program won't receive the vaccine any earlier than other states.

Though the vaccine has shown positive results, the delivery and distribution have come across some hurdles, such as needing to be stored in temperatures of minus 94 degrees Fahrenheit. The pilot program hopes to address these issues to find the best way to distribute the vaccine.

"We are hopeful that results from this vaccine delivery pilot will serve as the model for other U.S. states and international governments, as they prepare to implement effective COVID-19 vaccine programs," said Hwang.

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