Workgroup approves second COVID-19 vaccine for use in western states
Deemed “safe” and “efficacious,” the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine was unanimously recommended for use by the Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup Sunday.
After a thorough review, the workgroup informed the governors of California, Nevada, Oregon and Washington of their findings. According to their report, the workgroup advises states to use the new vaccine in tandem with the Pfizer BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine to expand their COVID-19 response capabilities, including in underserved communities.
“While California is in some of the darkest days of our COVID-19 surge, with too many families grieving lost loved ones, there is light as more vaccines are approved for distribution,” said California Gov. Gavin Newsom in a statement. “With the Moderna vaccine in circulation, we have another tool to fight this deadly disease.”
Vaccine shipments are expected early this week, according to the press release. Until the vaccine is widely available, however, Newsom said in a statement it is “critical” Californians continue to follow the stay-at-home order and wear a mask if they must leave home.
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Veronica Roseborough is a deputy news editor. Contact her at vroseborough@dailycal.org and follow her on Twitter at @v_roseborough.