COVID-19 Update Alabama Department of Public Health February 24, 2021

MONTGOMERY-Getting COVID-19 vaccine into the arms of Alabamians as quickly as possible is our goal. ADPH is conducting clinics daily, including drive-though clinics in some counties. Limited vaccine remains the greatest challenge in Alabama and other states.

COVID-19 Cases—490,220
COVID-19 Deaths—9,744
COVID-19 Hospitalizations (as of February 23)—45,250
Beginning February 8, vaccine eligibility expanded to include phase 1b and people 65 years and older. The Alabama COVID-19 Vaccination Allocation Plan outlines the various phases, and is available here:
www.alabamapublichealth.gov/covid19vaccine/assets/adph-covid19-vaccination-allocation-plan.pdf
Average 1^stDoses of Vaccine Shipped to Alabama Per Week—90,000
Vaccine Doses Administered—815,013
Vaccine Doses Delivered to Alabama—1,087,285
Alabama Healthcare Providers Enrolled—1,094

FDA says Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 Vaccine Meets Requirements for EUA
The Food and Drug Administration released an analysis today that says it has reviewed data for the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine and has determined that it is consistent with the recommendations set forth in the FDA’s Emergency Use Authorization guidance for vaccines to prevent COVID-19. The FDA has scheduled an advisory committee meeting for February 26 to consider the documents and make a recommendation on whether the vaccine should be authorized. We anticipate the Johnson & Johnson vaccine being approved soon after the meeting, joining the Moderna and Pfizer vaccine options. ADPH encourages the public not to vaccine shop, as all approved COVID-19 vaccines are excellent options.

Federal Retail Pharmacy Program Expands to Offer New Alabama COVID-19 Vaccine Locations
The Federal Retail Pharmacy Program has expanded to begin administering the COVID-19 vaccine at nine select CVS locations throughout the state on Thursday, February 25. The vaccine will be available at CVS locations in Bayou La Batre, Camden, Evergreen, Greensboro, Jackson, Lanett, Moulton, Tuskegee, and Union Springs. Available appointments can be scheduled at www.cvs.com/immunizations/covid-19-vaccine. Walmart and Sam’s Club are also expanding locations in Alabama to offer COVID-19 vaccine sites at additional stores throughout the state. Eligible customers can schedule vaccine appointments at www.walmart.com/COVIDvaccineand www.samsclub.com/covidas new appointments are available. Discussions continue to bring additional partners on board, and information will be announced as new sites are added.

How to Safely Put On and Take Off Face Masks
You have heard these specific recommendations about handling masks before, but they bear repeating. Wash your hands before putting on your mask. Then, try not to touch it. If you must adjust your mask, wash your hands or use hand sanitizer before and after to prevent the transfer of germs between your hands and the mask. When removing your mask, take it off without touching the fabric itself. Untie the strings or slip off the ear loops. Fold the mask, discard the mask if it is disposable, or place a cloth mask in the laundry. Do not wear a dirty mask, and make sure masks are completely dry before putting them on.

Media Release/Alabama Department of Public Health