BRAZOS COUNTY, TX — The anticipation is high as the COVID-19 vaccine begins to roll out across the country and in the Lone Star State.
The COVID-19 vaccine is being pushed out for emergency use at no cost to the general public.
"Healthcare payers are handling administration costs, so no American faces an out of pocket expense for this vaccine," Alex Azar Jr. Of U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services said.
In the midst of the holiday season, however, it puts pressure on distributors like UPS and Fedex, which added on vaccine distribution to their routes.
UPS says it is more than ready to handle the high demand of deliveries.
The agency said in a statement "Whether it’s delivering the holidays according to plans made with our customers, helping small and medium-sized businesses take advantage of holiday purchases, or distributing the vaccine where needed, UPS is prepared this holiday season."
United Airlines is also utilizing their planes to distribute the vaccine to health care facilities like Baylor Scott and White - College Station.
"What we think, is that getting through the next year at least, is going to require a combination of tests, perhaps anti-bodies, proof that you have antibodies and or a vaccine, and so being prepared to support all that," Scott Kirby, CEO, of United Airlines said.
The Texas Department of State Health Services says Brazos County is expected to have nearly 1000 doses by the end of the first distribution week. With services working on the ground, and in the air, to make sure hospitals receive their shipment.
U.S. Postal Service is not involved in the shipping process for COVID-19 vaccines as of Dec 14.