MONTGOMERY-A new and more highly transmissible COVID-19 variant, B.1.1.7, has been identified in three Alabama residents. Two are from Montgomery County and one is from Jefferson County; two are children under 19 and one is an adult. These are the first reported cases in Alabama of the variant which was first detected in the United Kingdom in late 2020. The UAB Laboratory sequenced the specimens and identified them as the SARS-CoV-2 variant B.1.1.7.
This variant is associated with increased person-to-person transmission of COVID-19. ADPH is closely monitoring the emergence of this variant which has been detected in at least 24 other states, including Tennessee, Georgia, Florida, and North Carolina and at least 293 cases in the U.S.
Viruses mutate, and due to surveillance, it was expected that cases would be found in Alabama. At this time, many infectious disease experts and the CDC have indicated that the current vaccine should be effective against the U.K. strain. However, this is still being studied. Currently, the U.K. variant has not definitively been linked to worse outcomes of the disease. As this variant is recent to the United States, it is important to follow the outcome of persons infected with this variant.
ADPH advises people to continue practicing the usual mitigation standards with emphasis on correct and consistent use of a two- to three-layered face mask of washable, breathable fabric such as cotton. Other prevention methods include practicing social distancing, and washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
For general information about COVID-19, including locations where testing is available, call the COVID-19 Information Hotline number at 1-800-270-7268. Alabama’s toll-free COVID-19 Vaccine Scheduling Hotline number is 1-855-566-5333.
COVID-19 Update Alabama Department of Public Health January 27, 2021
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—449,086
COVID-19 Deaths—7,172
COVID-19 Hospitalizations (as of January 26) —41,315
Currently eligible for vaccine—326,000 healthcare providers, nursing home residents, law enforcement officers, firefighters and 350,000 persons age 75+
Average 1stDoses of Vaccine Shipped to Alabama Per Week—50,000 to 60,000
Vaccine Doses Administered—280,608
Vaccine Distribution Plans Adjusted
We have had an extensive plan in place to administer COVID-19 vaccine statewide since October. The plan must pivot based on priorities from the federal government. Adjustments needed to be made to offer vaccine first to those at highest risk because of the small quantity of vaccine.
Accelerating Pace of Vaccine Rollout
Healthcare provider surveys will help ensure vaccine administration is expedited. ADPH is surveying every healthcare provider in the state to ensure that all administered doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been properly reported in our electronic data system and to determine if there is any available vaccine that needs to be redistributed to other providers. To expedite vaccine administration, ADPH is removing unused doses and redistributing the vaccine to providers who will give shots faster. No vaccine doses have been discarded. 4,000 doses have currently been identified and are in the process of being relocated.
Vaccine Doses Delivered to Alabama—736,700
Alabama Healthcare Providers Enrolled—883
Toll-free Telephone Lines for Appointments—165
Plans to Expand Vaccination Sites in Place
ADPH is working with Wal-Mart and other large companies which will provide vaccinations as more vaccine becomes available. New locations will expand access to care for more people and resolve some transportation issues in rural areas.
Expansion of age groups for vaccination to persons 65 and above
At the final Operation Warp Speed briefing on January 12, 2021, spokespersons for HHS recommended that states expand age groups for vaccination to persons 65 and above. However, these changes have not been made in Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance for when vaccine supply is limited. Vaccine supply is limited and does not meet demand at this time for the current numbers of persons identified as healthcare workers, first responders, fire, police, and persons 75 and above. Current recommendations from CDC are based on those from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). ACIP is an independent panel of medical and public health experts who provide vaccine guidance to CDC. The ACIP will be meeting today and additional information will be shared as it is made available.
Volunteers Supporting ADPH for Vaccine Distribution
As of today, ADPH has 276 medical volunteers, including physicians, physicians’ assistants, nurse practitioners, dentists, and LPNs, verified to support COVID-19 clinical activities. About 369 total volunteers have registered, and information is being verified. Please email requests to volunteer to Thresa.Dix@adph.state.al.us, and include your discipline, license number and county in which you would like to volunteer.
Media Release/Alabama Department of Public Health
