Colorado prepares for COVID-19 vaccine distribution through pilot test
DENVER (KRDO) -- Colorado will soon be testing its readiness to distribute a COVID-19 vaccine.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention selected Colorado as one of several states to participate in the pilot test. As part of Operation Warp Speed, the study will examine a state's logistics when delivering a a coronavirus vaccine to its residents.
The CDC is carrying out the study with the help of external agencies -- including Pfizer, McKesson, UPS, FedEx -- as well as ten jurisdictions, including the Centennial State.
The pilot test was announced Monday as more drug-manufacturing companies show promising results in developing a COVID-19 vaccine.
State officials say the test will improve Colorado's response when a vaccine becomes available.
During the study, Colorado public health officials will be expected to:
- Identify a provider location that will receive the test vaccine shipment.
- Ensure orders have been submitted to CDC’s Vaccine Tracking System (VTrckS) using a fake national drug code.
- Receive a thermal shipper without vaccine and ‘mock’ ancillary kits.
- Report receipt of shipper and kits.
An additional 52 jurisdictions, federal and pharmacy partners will be part of a second test on Nov. 30. Colorado will not be part of this second test.
In the meantime, public health experts say Coloradans should continue to avoid in-person gatherings, wear a mask when outside of your home and stay six feet away from others.
