Cities and states begin delaying COVID-19 vaccine distribution because of winter storms

Severe winter storms affecting more than a third of the continental United States are hampering vaccine distribution across numerous states. At least 7 states issued emergency declarations due to the severe weather, including Alabama, Kansas, Kentucky, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Oregon, and Texas. In San Antonio, TX, the city has suspended vaccine appointments scheduled to take place Tuesday at the Alamodome until Saturday because of the storm that triggered below-zero temperatures. The city announced, “With the current icy conditions expected to remain until at least tomorrow, we want to ensure the safety of the public. We also want to remind the public who may be concerned about the small delay for their second dose, that we are still within CDC guidelines to ensure the vaccine will still work with no issues.” Meanwhile, the Nevada Health Response (NHR) tweeted Monday: “The State received word some vaccine deliveries may be delayed in arriving this week due to severe storms across the country. Our team is monitoring closely & working with health districts & pharmacies that may be affected. We ask Nevadans to continue to be patient at this time.” In Missouri, meanwhile, Gov. Mike Parsons on Monday canceled all of the state’s mass vaccination events scheduled for February 15-19 due to the extreme winter weather