How some states are administering Covid-19 vaccines at twice the speed of others

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Sat, 2021-01-16 11:34 — mike kraft

How some states are administering Covid-19 vaccines at twice the speed of others Despite reports of technology hiccups, changes to allocated supply and other logistical hurdles, some states have risen as clear leaders in efficient Covid-19 vaccination efforts. Deidre McPhillips, CNN CNN

States look for more Covid-19 vaccine doses as the nation's death toll nears 400,000

(CNN) One month after the first dose was administered in the United States, Covid-19 vaccinations lag far behind early promises from the federal government.

Yet, despite reports of technology hiccups, changes to allocated supply and other logistical hurdles, some states have risen as clear leaders in efficient Covid-19 vaccination efforts.

More than 31 million Covid-19 vaccine doses have been distributed to states and other jurisdictions in the United States, but only 12.2 million -- 39% -- have actually been administered, according to the latest data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

However, nine states have managed to administer more than half of the doses they've received: North Dakota, West Virginia, South Dakota, Connecticut, Texas, Louisiana, Kentucky, Colorado and Montana, as well as Washington, DC.

North Dakota and West Virginia lead the nation, having administered more than 65% of distributed doses.

In comparison, Alabama and Georgia have administered only 23% of their doses and five other states have administered 30% or less.

When it comes to efficient Covid-19 vaccination, "there's no magic bullet," Claire Hannan, executive director of the Association of Immunization Managers, told CNN.

In the states moving faster, strategic planning and communication, reliance on strong local partnerships and states taking ownership of the process have each played a role.

In South Dakota, conversations about vaccine planning started as early as August and have continued on a daily basis, Daniel Bucheli, director of communications for the state health department, told CNN.

"Preparation not panic has been the key," he said. "There's daily communication, with the opportunity for partners to share feedback on what's working and what's not. Open lines of communication are ongoing." ...

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