CT Sen. Hwang Addresses Covid-19 Vaccine OK & Distribution

Hartford, CT - Senator Hwang, a co-chair of the bipartisan Bioscience Caucus, offers the following statement on the announcement that the Federal Center for Disease Control (CDC) and Connecticut COVID-19 Vaccine Advisory Group’s Science Subcommittee Recommend Immediate Distribution of Vaccine.

Click HERE for the advisory group’s recommendation.

“This is the biggest vaccination initiative in American history at a critical juncture of the Covid-19 pandemic. I want to thank all involved: Pfizer, BioNTech, the U.S. Federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Connecticut’s vaccine advisory group for taking on this enormous logistical endeavor. It will take strategic coordination of prioritizing distribution, shipping, storage, and properly administering the vaccine for it to take effect against Covid-19 infections. 

“As a co-chair of the BioScience Caucus and in taking on a new role as ranking Senate leader on the Public Health Committee, I eagerly await communication from the entire Covid-19 Vaccine Advisory Group and the executive branch on specifics on the vaccine distribution plans. Transparency and constant communication are keys in managing the public’s expectations and gaining their trust to better understand this new tool to combat the pandemic. 

“I have been in contact with Ken Hiscoe from Pfizer on the critical importance of an efficient vaccination rollout. I look forward to seeing input from key healthcare and medical professionals and members of all four legislative caucuses to ensure the success of this momentous undertaking. I appreciate the FDA for taking the proper time to review the extensive testing data and analysis and issue its Emergency Use Authorization. Connecticut should be proud of the unprecedented scientific progress made by Pfizer-BioNTech.

“I support the vaccine and believe the process of developing, reviewing, and authorizing the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine was rigorous, transparent, and scientifically sound, but it is not a panacea. The road to “herd immunity” and public safety is long and challenging. I implore people to continue taking every precaution including proper hand washing, social distancing and wearing face masks. All these factors, vigilance and individual accountability will allow our country and world to defeat Covid-19.”

Sen. Hwang serves as the co-chair of the bipartisan BioScience Caucus. In January 2021 he will serve as the Ranking Senate leader on the Public Health Committee with cognizance on matters related to public health and medical affairs.

Hwang is currently the ranking leader on the Public Safety and Security, Higher Education and Employment and Housing Committees. Hwang is also a member of the Transportation Committee. Hwang was appointed to Governor Lamont’s Workforce Council on recommendations for supporting economic development. Hwang is a member of Connecticut’s Commission on Women, Children and Seniors (CWCS) 2Gen Advisory Council addressing intergenerational poverty.