LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — Severe weather across much of the U.S. has delayed University Medical Center’s regular allocation of Moderna COVID-19 vaccine doses.
As a result of this delay, UMC has been forced to postpone a number of Moderna second dose appointments scheduled for Feb. 18 and 19. UMC has contacted all patients affected by this delay.
Gov. Steve Sisolak addressed the delay during a press conference on Wednesday. His remarks were also tweeted:
Earlier this week, we mentioned that some vaccine deliveries may be delayed in arriving due to severe storms across the country. Our team is continuing to monitor closely & we are working with health districts/pharmacies that may be affected.
Doses of vaccines are allocated on a weekly basis and we encourage Nevadans to go to NVCOVIDFighter.org for appointment availability.
When the delayed Moderna vaccine shipment arrives, UMC will contact everyone affected by this issue to ensure they have immediate access to the vaccine.
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These community members will have the opportunity to either reschedule their appointments via phone or simply walk into the UMC COVID-19 Vaccination Center at Encore Las Vegas during operating hours. UMC encourages patients to call 702-789-5160 if they have any questions about their appointments.
This shipping delay will not affect any first dose appointments at the UMC COVID-19 Vaccination Center, as UMC currently offers the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for first doses. In addition, patients receiving second doses of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine will not be affected.
The Moderna and Pfizer/BioNTech vaccines are not interchangeable, and patients must receive the same vaccine during their first and second doses.
While the recommended interval between doses of the Moderna vaccine is 28 days, CDC guidance states that the second dose may be administered up to six weeks after the first dose in cases involving unavoidable delays.
