Jackson Health System CEO Migoya, Plans COVID Vaccination For Miami-Dade: A Rosy Picture?
January 7, 2021 Leave a comment
In summary:
- There is a huge vaccination demand (that’s good) and a fair, equitable appointment system is nonexistant. There is chaos right now.
- Supplies from the Federal and State sources seem uncertain, supplied as they are a weak at a time. No forward planning is possible by providers and the county.
- Miami-Dade Country authorities and the lead Jackson Health System (JKS) is overly optimistic, as reflected in the recent statements by CEO Migoya.
- Vaccination planning is not taking into account the new covid rapidly infecting variant that may increase infections fast as vaccinations are given and, thereby, raise the actual percentage herd immunity needed to stabilize the disease spread.
- JKS could be overestimating the capacity of HMO’s, hospitals, new drive-through sites and other new providers like the HMOs. We will see.
- JKS estimates there are 455,000 people in the 65 years old and higher category and they think 50 percent will get vaccinations. Vaccination capacity could reach 70,000 to 75,000 vaccines per week very optimistically. The State may supply up to 250,000 per month.
- They think that the 65 and older group may get enough vaccinations by the end of March. These seem quite optimistic given possible unreliable State health authorities vaccine distribution.
- In short, there are at least 200,000 to 250,000 people in the 65 and over group who want vaccinations right now and they will want way more than the supply for many weeks to go. Remember, it is 2 shots per person.
About Stephen E. McGaughey
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