November is the earliest Oklahoma might receive its first allotment of COVID-19 vaccine to distribute to “priority populations,” although the timeline remains tentative, according to the Oklahoma State Department of Health.
Keith Reed, OSDH deputy commissioner of community health services, on Friday said the federal government has offered several scenarios, of which the earliest is November or December. Reed said health care workers and long-term care facilities are likely to be first in line, followed by people ages 65 and older and those with co-morbidities.
“We know that when it comes out, we’re not going to get large volumes up front,” Reed said. “So no doubt that that will be based off of priority populations, and that’s how we will initially roll it out. Hopefully the supply will hit soon thereafter and we can roll it out into the population.”
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The Associated Press reported Wednesday that an Aug. 27 letter from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to governors told states “in the near future” they will receive permit applications for a vaccine.
The letter states that any waivers won’t compromise the vaccine’s safety or effectiveness, according to the AP. The AP also reported that several vaccine and public health experts say the final stage of experimental trials are at best halfway through the process, so they don’t understand how there could be adequate data on the efficacy before Nov. 1.
Interim State Health Commissioner Dr. Lance Frye said he has no concerns and that vital steps in the process won’t be skipped to get a vaccine out early.
Reed noted that there are still lots of questions, so nothing is set in stone. He said he can’t speak to the likelihood of a November rollout, only that the CDC has said that it’s a possibility.
He said the state has enough lead time to develop several distribution strategies by adapting flu shot processes that have been in place for years or the framework for drive-through COVID-19 testing.
“So I’m not worried about our ability to get it out,” Reed said. “I’m more worried about a rapid supply chain. I think that’s going to be the limiting factor for us — not our ability to get it out but the supply chain.”
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COVID-19 basics everyone needs to know as the pandemic continues
COVID-19 basics everyone needs to know as the pandemic continues
How it spreads, who's at risk
Studies have shown many infected people show no symptoms or have symptoms so mild they may go undetected; those people can still transmit COVID-19 to About 20% of patients diagnosed with COVID-19 require hospitalization.
The disease can be fatal, especially for vulnerable populations: those older than 65, living in a nursing home or long-term care facility, and anyone with underlying health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, lung disease or obesity.
Science of virus spread
COVID-19 is spread mainly from person to person via respiratory droplets produced by an infected person. Spread is most likely when people are in close contact, within about 6 feet. A person might also be infected with COVID-19 after touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their face. According to the CDC, evidence suggests the novel coronavirus may remain viable for hours to days on surfaces, though that form of transmission is said to be minor.
Transmission between people more than 6 feet from one another may occur in poorly ventilated and enclosed spaces, the CDC says, especially where activities cause heavier breathing, such as singing or exercising.
The infectious period for patients can begin up to 48 hours before symptom onset.
List of symptoms
The CDC recently expanded its list of possible symptoms of COVID-19. The symptoms can appear from two days to two weeks after exposure.
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- New loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
This list does not include all possible symptoms and will continue to be updated by the CDC. One symptom not included is "purple toes," which someone may experience with no other symptoms, sometimes several weeks after the acute phase of an infection is over. The coloration and pain is caused by a lack of blood flow to the toes caused by excessive blood clotting, a late-stage concern with COVID-19 infections.
Kinds of testing
Those getting tested may experience different kinds of swabs. The viral test, known as PCR, involves a deep nasal swab that can be painful.
Other tests that require less-invasive swabs may produce results faster, but with less accuracy. These should not be used diagnostically.
It is not yet known whether COVID-19 antibodies can protect someone being infected again or how long protection might last.
The 'serious seven'
The "serious seven" refer to close contact environments where residents should take extra precautions if they choose to attend. The seven are gyms, weddings, house gatherings, bars, funerals, faith-based activities and other small events, according to Tulsa Health Department Director Bruce Dart.
Treatments being investigated
The FDA has allowed for antiviral drug remdesivir, previously tested on humans with Ebola, to treat more severe cases of COVID-19 in adults and children. Safety and effectiveness aside, preliminary studies have shown it can shorten recovery time for some patients.
After previously approving an emergency use authorization, the FDA as of July 1 cautions against use of hydroxychloroquine or chloroquine for COVID-19 outside of the hospital setting or a clinical trial. A review of safety issues includes reports of serious heart rhythm problems and other safety issues, including blood and lymph system disorders, kidney injuries, and liver problems and failure.
Convalescent serum therapy
Some patients are receiving convalescent serum, meaning the antibodies made by people who have recovered after a COVID-19 infection. Antibody-rich blood plasma is being given to severely or critically ill COVID-19 patients, including Ascension St. John, Saint Francis Health System, OSU Center for Health Sciences and Hillcrest HealthCare System in Tulsa.
From June to July, requests for convalescent plasma from the Oklahoma Blood Institute multiplied seven-fold.
Recovery, as defined by CDC
To be considered recovered (without a test), these three things must happen, the CDC advises:
- No fever for at least 72 hours (three full days of normal temperature without the use of medicine)
- Other symptoms improved (no more cough, etc.)
- At least 10 days since symptoms first appeared
Corey Jones
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Corey Jones
Public Service Journalism Team
