LINCOLN, Neb. (KMTV) — Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts held a press conference in Lincoln on Friday and discussed COVID-19 vaccine efforts.
He encouraged people to get the vaccine when it’s their turn, saying that the vaccines are very effective. He also mentioned that if the Johnson & Johnson vaccine is approved for emergency use by the FDA, it will be able to deliver a few million doses across the country soon.
Gov. Ricketts said the Johnson & Johnson vaccine will be just as effective as the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines.
Nebraska has jumped in the rankings in terms of vaccines administered, according to Gov. Ricketts. The state is continuing to work on data reporting with vaccinations.
Additionally, Gov. Ricketts and Chief Medical Officer Dr. Gary Anthone spoke about new variants and what is being done to prove the variants exist. The Nebraska Public Health Lab has a new machine to do RNA sequencing to search for new variants.
Dr. Anthone mentioned that within the next two weeks, the state should have a plan to administer vaccines to those with co-morbidities under the age of 65.
Gov. Ricketts added that the state is working with Microsoft to develop a system for inventory management and vaccine scheduling to provide a one-stop-shop for information. He wants the system to have QR codes to minimize data entry and wants to collaborate with local health departments to get residents on the system.
Dr. Anthone added that about 20% of Nebraska residents have immunity from COVID-19.
“We’re getting there, most people think we need about 60-70% to reach herd immunity threshold, but we’re getting there,” said Dr. Anthone.
Watch his remarks below or on our Facebook page.
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