Marian Regional Medical Center: Doctors prepare for arrival of COVID-19 vaccines

SANTA MARIA, Calif. - As a new shelter at home order takes effect in Southern California, Marian Regional Medical Center doctors say some good news is on the horizon.

The COVID-19 vaccine is expected to arrive within the next few weeks.

"There’s a lot of preparatory work going on behind the scenes. We are working very closely with the Center for disease control, The California Department of Health as well as the San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara County Health departments," said Dr. Scott Robertson at Marian Regional Medical Center.

Doctors say this will be the first time the hospital has managed this type of vaccine.

"We have a process in place that we can safely receive the vaccine, store the vaccine and ultimately distribute the vaccine to healthcare workers and the general public," said Robertson.

While the pandemic has caused frustration to many, Tommy Ferdinandi says he hopes the arrival of the vaccine could bring relief, “It’s hope, and it’s also answers to prayer.”

Once the vaccine arrives, Doctors say this will be an extraordinary turning point during the pandemic.

"We’ve been living with the COVID-19 pandemic for 10 months now during 2020, and this may be our opportunity to get out of this horrible public health crisis that we’ve been facing," said Robertson.

Doctors say this is the first time the hospital will to try to distribute it in such a "rapid fashion."