According to the Alabama Department of Public Health, initial doses of coronavirus vaccine could be available as early as mid-December for healthcare providers and for those people with chronic health conditions and the doses will be available FREE of charge, regardless of insurance coverage, according to a press release.  

On Monday, the drug company Moderna announced positive results for its vaccine – which showed about 94% effectiveness.  Pfizer also announced good results for its vaccine, which uses the same technology as Moderna.

Dozens of other companies have coronavirus vaccines in the works.  Some may be available as nasal sprays, others will be injected.  The U.S. Food & Drug Administration is expected to take about two weeks to review trial data before distributing the first doses.   Most vaccines will require two doses administered three to four weeks apart; federal guidelines prioritize health care workers, and other essential employees at the front lines of the pandemic – that  followed by residents and workers in long-term care facilities – and people with underlying health conditions.

(AL.COM/www.al.com)