After more than a year of struggle with COVID-19, many countries now have a chance to fight back with COVID-19 vaccines. In the U.S., the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) records showed that there are now over 35 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines distributed all over the country. More than 16 million doses have already been administered.
Our World In Data showed that California has the highest number of COVID-19 vaccines administered with 1.53 million doses. Texas is ranking second with 1.47 million doses administered, while Florida ranks third with 1.05 million. Meanwhile, other states are following close behind.
To ramp up the vaccination efforts in Washington, Governor Jay Inslee said the age of eligibility for the vaccine had been lowered from 70 to 65. Additionally, providers must administer 95 percent of their doses within a week of receipt. Furthermore, the Washington State Vaccine Command and Coordination Center (WSVCCC) will aid with the vaccine distribution process.
According to Medium.com, the Washington State Vaccine Command and Coordination Center (WSVCCC) collaborates with public and private companies to help with the distribution and delivery of vaccines in Washington. The special task force includes corporations, labor unions, health care groups, and government entities.
The Department of Health will provide staffing for the WSVCCC. At the same time, they will also be working with Washington business and labor leaders. This collaborative effort will support the Department of Health in constructing an adequate infrastructure and coordinating resources to deliver vaccines across the state as efficiently as possible.
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The stakeholders partnering with the WSVCCC will be assigned to different vaccine distribution facets by the group's broad coalition. The distribution operation includes logistics coordination, allocation strategies, infrastructure support and development, as well as cross-organizational and agency operation communications.
With the enhanced vaccination efforts, the state government set a goal of vaccinating 45,000 Washingtonians per day. The current goal is said to be above the federal allocation for Washington, but the state hopes to meet the target as the vaccines' manufacturing is ramped up. Furthermore, the improved vaccination plan was made and put in place to ensure that their goals are effectively met.
Among the private corporations, Kaiser Permanente, Microsoft, and Starbucks will be joining in for the distribution efforts. Reports explained that Starbucks had assigned some of its employees well-versed in labor and deployment operations and research and development to coordinate with the state government for this joint project.
Kevin Johnson, Starbucks President, and CEO further explained that the company is proud to contribute in every way to help operationalize access to the vaccine. He added that Governor Inslee partnered with the best public and private resources and capabilities to optimize and accelerate Washington state's vaccination process.
Johnson also revealed that he approached the state government earlier this month to inquire on how Starbucks can lend a helping hand regarding the vaccination efforts. He said that vaccinating the whole country could take years to complete without the cooperation and help of other establishments and realized the need to accelerate the state's progress.
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