COVID-19 vaccine in Alabama will be free, first doses could be available by December – AL.com

The first doses of coronavirus vaccine could be available as early as mid-December in Alabama for healthcare providers and people with chronic health conditions, according to the Alabama Department of Public Health.

They will be available at no charge, regardless of insurance coverage, according to a press release. Large amounts of vaccines have already been produced and are in storage, under the protection of armed guards.

On Monday, the drug company Moderna announced positive results for its vaccine candidate, which showed about 94 percent effectiveness. Pfizer also announced good results for its coronavirus vaccine, which uses the same technology as Moderna.

Dozens of other companies have coronavirus vaccines in the works. Some may be available as nasal sprays. Others will be injected. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is expected to take about two weeks to review trial data before distributing the first doses. The federal government will be in charge of distributing the first doses to the states, which will get them to members of high-priority groups.

All Americans can receive their initial vaccine treatment without any charge, including people with no health insurance, according to the press release.

Most vaccines will require two doses administered three to four weeks apart. Federal guidelines prioritize health care workers and other essential employees at the front lines of the pandemic, followed by residents and workers in long-term care facilities and people with underlying health conditions. More doses of vaccine should be available later in 2021.

Distribution of the vaccine will be made equitably to those most at risk, the chronically ill and seniors in all 67 Alabama counties," according to the press release.

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COVID-19 vaccine in Alabama will be free, first doses could be available by December - AL.com

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