A Tremendous Milestone in our Fight Against COVID-19

Later today, UTMB will administer the first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine to our “first tier” health care workers—those frontline employees who are at elevated risk for occupational exposure to the virus. On the surface, it might seem like any other workplace immunization program. But mark this day, because it is historic.

In many ways, it feels like we’ve been battling the pandemic for a lifetime, but it has been less than a year since we saw our first case in the U.S. In less than a year, we have gone from identifying a dangerous novel virus to administering a safe and effective vaccine in a well-planned and thoughtful way.

In seeing these vaccines come to be, you are seeing the power of collective focus. Solid science—combined with a global commitment to greatly reduce the time it takes to complete administrative tasks associated with clinical trials—has given us a vaccine that has been fully studied and approved in record time.

To make the best use of limited initial supplies, we are following CDC and state guidelines to first vaccinate health care workers and first responders at highest risk of direct occupational exposure to COVID-19. This ensures we all have access to their expertise when we need it. Groups with the next-highest level of risk will be next, and so on.

We cannot speculate on the exact timing or duration of each phase of the vaccination process. That will depend in large part on how many vaccine products are approved for use, manufacturing capacity and how many doses we are provided at any given time. We can realistically say it will take several months to vaccinate everyone, which is why it is so important for us to follow the priority guidelines from the CDC.

I have been asked if I plan to get this brand-new vaccine that has gone from idea to distribution so quickly. My answer is: “Yes! Just as soon as it’s my turn.” I am confident in the science and the process. And because of that, I can be patient for a little while longer.

I want to thank members of the UTMB COVID-19 Vaccination Preparedness Task Force, co-chaired by Dr. Janak Patel and Dr. Phillip Keiser, for putting in place an excellent plan for managing and administering our vaccine supply. The Task Force has attended to every detail and, with practical help from a wide variety of departments across UTMB, have prepared us well for this moment and for the future. This is truly a team effort.

I also want to emphasize that this historic day marks the beginning of a turning point in our fight against COVID-19. We are not done fighting yet. As mentioned, it will take several months for the vaccine to reach enough people to achieve the level of protection needed for us to get back to normal socially and economically. Until that time, please join me in continuing to wear a mask, keep a safe distance, avoid large gatherings, wash hands frequently and stay home if ill. And, when your turn comes, get vaccinated.

I am so grateful for your efforts thus far to protect yourselves, your co-workers, your patients and your communities. I know, together, we can keep up the good work until the pandemic is over.

Thank you and be safe.

Ben G. Raimer, MD, MA, FAAP

UTMB President ad interim