Operation Warp Speed will hold back initial shipments to ensure two-dose regimens can be completed; 15 December is ‘chalk’ target date for emergency authorization of Pfizer vaccine, OWS’ Gustave Perna says, calling it only a projection that does not impinge on FDA authority. Sending only half shipments also eases burden on cold shortage capacity at state and local level, he says.

First group to receive vaccine would comprise health care personnel and residents of long-term care facilities; next in line are non-health care essential workers, who would take priority over adults with high-risk medical conditions and those ages 65 years and older, according to the CDC advisory committee’s proposed allocation framework.

Although US FDA wants sponsors to maintain blinded Phase III follow-up as long as possible after emergency use authorization or licensure, vaccine researcher Larry Corey says it will become ‘untenable’ to keep individuals in placebo arm once they qualify for vaccine access under the allocation framework.