FirstNet® supports vaccine distribution efforts across the U.S.

March 19, 2021

As the U.S. accelerates vaccinations in anticipation of meeting the President’s goal of being ready to open up availability to all adults by May 1, a cross-industry response has been deployed to meet the logistical needs, safety concerns and scale of the mammoth operation.

Public safety agencies, local and state governments, and healthcare organizations using FirstNet are helping to distribute the COVID-19 vaccine efficiently and effectively. And FirstNet is providing a common, interoperable platform to easily communicate across agencies, jurisdictions and state lines. And the true interoperable communication of FirstNet is critical during the vaccine rollout.

From coast to coast, FirstNet is helping those charged with coordination of the vaccine distribution across America to stop the spread of COVID-19.

Western states                                                                                                                

• In California, Palomar Health set-up a resource clinic in Escondido equipped with FirstNet enabled tablets and smartphones where commercial coverage presented a connectivity issue. The “triple threat” site offers drive-thru testing, vaccination and monoclonal therapy, an antibody therapy that could keep symptomatic patients away from the hospital.
• In Washington, the Seattle Fire Department’s mobile vaccination teams are using FirstNet mobile devices to help coordinate their efforts across the city and maximize efficiency. They’re supplying vaccinations to those living in adult family homes, permanent supportive and affordable housing, as well as pop-up clinics throughout the city.

Southern region

• In Texas, FirstNet is providing primary and backup connectivity for drive-thru vaccinations for the Galveston County Health District in partnership with the Galveston County Office of Emergency Management, and League City Office of Emergency Management. Clinicians use mobile devices to log-in to the patient portal and manage the entire process from registration to release after vaccine. And law enforcement is using cameras powered by FirstNet to monitor the drive-thru vaccination site as vehicle traffic moves through from registration to release. Lastly, the League City Fire Marshal’s Office command trailer is using FirstNet to assist in connecting devices for general use and video conferencing.
  

Midwest

• Spectrum Health is using FirstNet on smartphones at the West Michigan Vaccine Clinic in Grand Rapids. The healthcare provider also used Portable Data Network (PDN) kits at COVID-19 testing sites. A PDN is an all-inclusive mobile suitcase equipped with a modem and FirstNet connectivity that provides highly secure internet access – think ultimate Wi-Fi hotspot – wherever you take it.
• In rural Illinois, Perry County Health Department is using FirstNet connected tablets and hotspots to operate remote COVID-19 clinics. Additionally, home health nurses in Perry County are using FirstNet connected tablets to manage scheduling and electronic paperwork.
  

East coast

• Howard County Fire & Rescue Services is using FirstNet on tablets and smartphones with their Mobile Integrated Community Health team delivering COVID-19 vaccinations to individuals who are developmentally disabled or who live in group or congregate living facilities. The vaccine distribution team is comprised of personnel from Howard County Fire and affiliated agencies.
  
• In New Jersey, Capital Health is using FirstNet on tablets and smartphones to check in patients at its Trenton and Hopewell inoculation sites, while Inspira Health Network is using FirstNet for stand-alone hotspots and smartphones with hotspot capability at its vaccination site.
  

We know our first responders and the extended public safety community count on FirstNet. FirstNet stands above commercial offerings as it is shaped by the vision of the first responder community and Congress following the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

FirstNet is built with AT&T in public-private partnership with the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority) – an independent agency within the federal government. The FirstNet network is providing public safety with truly dedicated coverage and capacity when they need it, unique benefits like always-on priority and preemption for first responders, and high-quality Band 14 spectrum. These advanced capabilities help fire, EMS, healthcare workers and law enforcement save lives and protect their communities.