Rep. Susie Lee, SNHD Chief Health Officer Discuss Nevada’s COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution Efforts
Download Facebook LiveVideo Here
Las Vegas, Nev. – U.S. Rep. Susie Lee (NV-03) hosted a Facebook Live to discuss Nevada's COVID-19 vaccine distribution efforts. Rep. Lee was joined by Dr. Fermin Leguen, Southern Nevada Health District's Chief Health Officer, to answer questions and discuss the changes and improvements being implemented to boost Nevada's vaccination distribution efforts.
"Unfortunately, as with many elements with the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been an abysmal lack of federal planning and coordination when it comes to vaccine distribution," Rep. Lee explained. "Many people in our community have felt that, have been waiting, have been confused about how and when and where to get the vaccine. It's left us in a situation like so many other states, to play catch up. We're so happy to have you here today, Dr. Leguen, to provide Nevadans with an update of the vaccination efforts and to answer any questions."
Dr. Leguen outlined the locations in southern Nevada currently administering vaccines, largely to frontline workers at the moment:
"Right now, there are several sites that are offering the vaccine in Clark County, and we are planning to expand that further. Right now for example, this week, we have vaccination sites at the [SNHD] Main Facility. Also, we have an alternate vaccination site at Western High School. And UNLV is also offering a vaccine with the School of Medicine. Also, Roseman University is offering the vaccine over the weekend, and Touro University also is participating in this vaccination program.
"In addition... City of North Las Vegas is already offering vaccinations in the community. Also, the City of Henderson is doing the same. And the UMC, University Hospital is also offering the vaccinations.
"By the end of this week, somewhere between Thursday and Friday, the County will open at Cashman, and it will be a mega-site. We will be offering vaccinations there. Our expectation is the Cashman site should be able to administer between 3,000-4,000 doses per day. [SNHD] is planning, perhaps within one or two weeks, moving to Las Vegas Convention Center and opening another mega-vaccination site there, where we will be able to offer about 4,000 vaccines a day.
"Our expectation is to be able to deliver 40,000-45,000 vaccinations a week from all those sites that I just mentioned."
Dr. Leguen reiterated the changes to Nevada's vaccination distribution game plan that Governor Sisolak announced last night:
"The way the dministration is going to be moving forward, is going to offer vaccine in two parallel lanes. One to the general population, starting with senior citizens, 70 years and older. And in the meantime, also offer the vaccination to essential workers. And it will then go through different segments of the population."
Dr. Leguen answered questions about vaccine availability for Nevadans who are 70 years and older as well as for Nevadans with underlying conditions, the logistics of receiving and shipping one or both doses of vaccine, preventing exposure for Nevadans waiting to receive vaccines on-site, how the state determined the ‘lanes' and priorities between populations, and more. These can be viewed on the Facebook Live video.
BACKGROUND: Last night, Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak held a virtual press conference updating Nevadans on the state's distribution efforts, as well as changes being implemented to boost vaccine distribution across the state. Click here to view a diagram of the state government's new vaccine "prioritization lanes."