CDC tells states to be ready to distribute potential COVID-19 vaccine by Nov. 1

The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has told state governors and health officials to be ready to distribute a possible coronavirus vaccine by Nov. 1, reports said Wednesday.

CDC Director Robert Redfield wrote in a letter to the officials last week that the McKesson Corporation — a Texas-based health care company — would soon request permits to build distribution sites, and that the process should be expedited, according to The Hill.

“The normal time required to obtain these permits presents a significant barrier to the success of this urgent public health program,” Redfield wrote, according to The Hill. “CDC urgently requests your assistance in expediting applications for these distribution facilities and, if necessary, asks that you consider waiving requirements that would prevent these facilities from becoming fully operational by November 1, 2020.”