Rhode Island one of four states where Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine distribution will be tested

Pfizer Inc has launched a pilot delivery program for its experimental COVID-19 vaccine in four U.S. states, as the U.S. drugmaker seeks to address distribution challenges facing its ultra-cold storage requirements.

PROVIDENCE, RI (WLNE) – Pfizer has chosen Rhode Island, and three other states to test the distribution of its COVID-19 vaccine candidate.

The experimental vaccine has excited health officials because Pfizer’s preliminary data shows that it is more than 90% effective.

However, distributing it may prove challenging.

The vaccine must be shipped and stored at -70 degrees Celsius (minus 94°F), significantly below the standard for vaccines of 2-8 degrees Celsius (36-46°F).

“We are hopeful that results from this vaccine delivery pilot will serve as the model for other U.S. states and international governments, as they prepare to implement effective COVID-19 vaccine programs,” Pfizer said in a statement on Monday.

It also requires two doses spaced three weeks apart to be effective.

Pfizer chose Rhode Island, Texas, New Mexico, and Tennessee to test the distribution of the vaccine.

The drug company says the four-states were chosen due to their differences in size, population diversity, and immunization infrastructure.

The four states will not receive vaccine doses earlier than other states by virtue of the pilot, nor will they receive any differential consideration, Pfizer said.

If the vaccine receives FDA approval, Pfizer will produce 100 million doses of it for the federal government at a cost of $1.95 Billion.

The government will also have the option to purchase up to 500 million more doses.

Earlier on Monday, rival Moderna Inc said its experimental vaccine was 94.5% effective in preventing COVID-19 based on interim data from a late-stage trial.