HHS Deputy Secretary Eric Hargan visited healthcare leaders and providers in Kansas today, including those at The University of Kansas Health System. His purpose was to discuss the impact of COVID-19 on hospitals, efforts to expand testing, expansion of the use of telemedicine as well as reforms within hospitals which have been driven by the pandemic, and the ongoing work to develop, manufacture, and distribute a COVID-19 vaccine.
After his meeting, he held a virtual news conference, along with Steve Stites, MD, chief medical officer at The University of Kansas Health System and Dana Hawkinson, MD, medical director of Infection Prevention and Control at The University of Kansas Health System. Video of the full news conference is below.
Before taking reporter questions, Hargan said thanks to Operation Warp Speed, the historic project to create safe and effective vaccines and therapeutics by the end of this year, there are currently four vaccines in Phase 3 clinical trials, including one taking place in part at the University of Kansas Medical Center and The University of Kansas Health System. He noted that while that trial, by AstraZenica, is on hold, the hope is to resume it a soon as possible. He said, “The caution here goes to show that safety and efficacy are of paramount importance, and the American people can rest assured that we’re not cutting any corners when it comes to the processes that we need in order for Americans to have confidence in a COVID-19 vaccine.” He added, “I also want to underscore that protecting the most vulnerable in society has always been at the heart of our response. That’s why, last week, we announced an unprecedented partnership with CVS and Walgreens to deliver and administer safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines to long-term-care facilities across America, including nursing homes and assisted living facilities, where more than 2.5 million of our most vulnerable citizens live. These people will likely be one of the very first groups to be vaccinated, and I’m so proud of our collaborative work that is making this happen.” He emphasized that while we’re by no means not out of the woods yet, “There’s a light at the end of the tunnel,” and if we follow the pillars of infection prevention, we can bridge the gap until vaccines and new therapies are ready.
The following are media questions answered by Hargan, with the short answer in bold. See the video for details and the full answers.
- What specifically is the HHS working on? Are there contingency plans in case the COVID-19 numbers continue to grow in the Midwest? Working with both state and local governments on ways to help everyone follow the pillars of infection prevention. Doing far better now than at the beginning.
- Are we rounding a corner in the fight against COVID-19? There have been many improvements in research and development, and we are looking forward to a vaccine and a cocktail of therapeutics, remdesivir for example.
- Why hasn’t HHS come out with a national mask wearing mandate? The Federal Government has limited powers, which don’t include requiring mask wearing around the country. The best they can do is give recommendations to state and local governments. Doctors pointed out that masks work, as there has been no transmission of the virus inside The University of Kansas Health System.
- How is the HHS planning to develop trust among minority communities when it comes to rolling out the vaccine? The CDC is working on a “Vaccinate With Confidence” public education campaign. It’s vital everyone participates to end the pandemic. Hargan says he’ll “have it in my arm,” the second the vaccine is available.
- When can the average person in the Metro area expect to get the vaccine? No set time frame, but plans are in place to distribute as soon as it’s proven safe and effective. Healthcare and frontline workers will get it first, along with the elderly and other vulnerable people. Each state is working out a distribution plan.
