Renée C. Byer/The Sacramento Bee via AP, Pool, File
As coronavirus cases continue to rise, Governor Newsom announces California’s COVID-19 vaccine review process, Scientific Safety Review Workgroup, has reviewed phase 1 and 2 study data on both Pfizer and Modern vaccines and has no concerns. The group looks forward to reviewing the next phase.
“A group of nationally acclaimed California physician scientists with expertise in immunization and public health to the state’s COVID-19 Scientific Safety Review Workgroup that will independently review the safety and efficacy of any vaccine that receives FDA approval for distribution. While there is no proven vaccine for COVID-19 yet, these top health experts – guided by the principles of safety, equity and transparency – will review any vaccine that receives federal approval and verify its safety, before California makes a COVID-19 vaccine available to those most at risk.” Newsom announced in October.
.@CAgovernor @GavinNewsom says his scientific safety review workgroup has reviewed phase 1 and 2 study data on both Pfizer and Moderna vaccines and has NO concerns.
They look forward to looking at phase 3 data.
— Elex Michaelson (@Elex_Michaelson) November 23, 2020
“Our response to COVID-19 has and will continue to lead with data and science including when it comes to COVID-19 vaccines,” said Governor Newsom in a press release. “California leads in science and by bringing together our state’s brightest scientific minds, we can ensure that any vaccine distributed here meets safety requirements. Recognizing that supplies will be limited initially and the first doses of vaccines must go to health care workers, first responders and others who are especially vulnerable to this disease, we are working to ensure that administration and distribution of an approved vaccine is equitable.”
During Monday’s press conference, Newsom confirmed California’s plan for money from the CDC. Out of the $16 million received, $10 million is allocated to local health for planning and $6 million is allocated to local health for staffing.
The CDC has allocated California $28 million for COVID-19 vaccine distribution.
The state so far has received $16 million and is waiting on the rest.
The state’s vaccine review panel has found no concerns with latest data from vaccines furthest along in clinical trials.
— Ashley Zavala (@ZavalaA) November 23, 2020
As Newsom quarantines after his kids were exposed to a CHP officer who tested positive for coronavirus, he provided a coronavirus update.
#COVID19 UPDATE:
This last week, CA saw an unprecedented rise in cases.
– Average daily tests: 198,379
– Average test positivity rate: 5.5%
– Daily case average: 11,591
– Hospitalizations: up 77% over last 2 weeks
– ICU: up 55% over last 2 weeks
— Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) November 23, 2020
Watch the full press conference here.