State and local governments are frustrated by lack of planning
Frederick, MD (KB) The problem of distributing the COVID-19 vaccine in Maryland and the rest of the country came up during Friday’s Frederick County Delegation Meeting.
Senator Ben Cardin said there was no coronavirus vaccine distribution plan under former President Trump.
“He basically said drop it on the doorsteps of the state, and it’s their problem,” said Cardin.
The Senator also said the nation needs a more effective distribution system for the vaccine.
“At this particular moment, with the demand outstretching the supply by large numbers, it’s hard to see we have an orderly process until we have a distribution system that is understandable by our constituents,” he said.
Sixth District Congressman David Trone said production of the vaccine is expected to ramp up, so there needs to be a distribution plan in place.
“We need a system and a capacity and supply chain to move this, it’s a business problem,” he explained.
The Congressman said he is pushing Governor Larry Hogan and his administration to develop a faster and more equitable system to get the vaccines to Marylanders.
“Clearly the roll-out has been unacceptable,” said the Congressman. “We are not reaching those most vulnerable, and certainly our low-income communities and communities of color are suffering as far as vaccine distribution.”
Senator Cardin also added that the Biden Administration is trying to a build up a network to get the vaccines administered fairly and quickly.
That includes setting up more locations where it can be administered. The vaccine would also be available at places that are a reasonable distance from citizens’ homes.