JIC RELEASE NO. 502 - Second Shipment of Pfizer-BioNTech Vaccines Arrive;Results of 3-day Vaccination Clinics; VAPPC to Hold Second Meeting

The Department of Public Health and Social Services (DPHSS) has received its second shipment of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccines. The shipment of two boxes containing 3,900 doses each of the vaccine arrived Saturday, December 19 through a United Airlines flight, for a total of 7,800 doses. 

While both packages were being inspected and recharged with dry ice, it was discovered that the GPS-enabled thermal sensor in one package did not have the proper “green” color to signal that the package was in acceptable condition. Although the green light on the GPS-enabled thermal sensor indicates the package maintained sufficient temperatures throughout its delivery to Guam, the absence of the green light does not necessarily indicate that acceptable temperatures were not maintained. 

The DPHSS Immunization Program has contacted federal partners to report the status and has also contacted the manufacturer for further guidance. In the meantime, the package is being stored properly in ultra cold temperatures using dry ice in a secure location. 

The vaccines in the first package have been properly transferred into the ultra-low temperature (ULT) freezer, which is also in a secure location and being monitored 24-7 by security personnel.

Results of 3-day Vaccination Clinic

DPHSS held a three-day vaccination clinic at Okkodo High School from December 17 to December 19 for all healthcare personnel who qualify under the Phase 1a priority group to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. In addition to DPHSS, the Guam Memorial Hospital Authority (GMHA) and the Guam Regional Medical City (GRMC) also administered shots of the vaccine to their respective staff, who also qualify under the Phase 1a priority group, during the same three-day period. The results of the three-day vaccination clinics are as follows:

VAPPC to Hold Second Meeting
The Vaccine and Antiviral Prioritization Policy Committee (VAPPC) will be holding its second virtual meeting on Monday, December 21, at 5:30 p.m. The VAPPC held its first meeting on December 10 to orientate its members on their roles and to update and inform them on the progress made regarding the COVID-19 vaccine as it relates to Guam. 

Committee members will continue discussions on COVID-19 vaccine-related matters as well as the anticipated rollout for Phase 1b vaccine distribution.

At the conclusion of the VAPPC meeting, DPHSS will release information summarizing the topics discussed.

GBHWC Crisis Hotline
The Guam Behavioral Health and Wellness Center (GBHWC) has a Crisis Hotline that is available 24/7 at (671) 647-8833/4. For those feeling anxious, stressed, overwhelmed or are needing to talk to someone, GBHWC has experienced providers available and ready to assist the community with any heightened stress and anxiety experienced as a result of COVID-19.

For the latest information on COVID-19, visit dphss.guam.gov or guamrecovery.com. For inquiries on COVID-19, contact 311 through a local number, or call the Joint Information Center at (671) 478-0208/09/10.