The good news is that COVID-19 vaccine allocations to Nebraska are being increased; the bad news is that this week's severe weather across most of the nation has delayed this week's shipments.
But Nebraska remains on course to move into inoculation of the general public in April or May, Gov. Pete Ricketts said Thursday during a coronavirus news briefing.
Not only are current vaccine allocations to the state being increased, new data shows that six doses rather than five can be administered from each vial of Pfizer vaccine, production of both Pfizer and Moderna vaccines is being increased, and a vaccine from Johnson and Johnson may soon be approved and added to the supply.
"Good news," the governor said.
Nebraska is expecting 18,720 doses of Pfizer and 18,400 doses of Moderna next week, Angie Ling, incident commander at the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, said.
People 65 and older will continue to remain the focus for now, Ricketts said, pointing once again to statistics demonstrating that the vast majority of COVID-19 deaths in Nebraska occur in the older population.
"Age is the single greatest factor related to risk," he said.
PHOTOS: LINCOLN VACCINATION CLINIC
COVID-19 vaccinations

Lincoln, NE - 2/5/2021 - People leave Pinnacle Bank Arena after receiving a COVID-19 vaccination during an event for those in the Phase 1B priority group on Friday, Feb. 5, 2021. GWYNETH ROBERTS, Journal Star
COVID-19 vaccinations

Lincoln, NE - 2/5/2021 - People enter Pinnacle Bank arena during a COVID-19 vaccination event for those in the Phase 1B priority group on Friday, Feb. 5, 2021. GWYNETH ROBERTS, Journal Star
COVID-19 vaccinations

Lincoln, NE - 2/5/2021 - After receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, people wait for rides outside Pinnacle Bank arena on Friday, Feb. 5, 2021. GWYNETH ROBERTS, Journal Star
COVID-19 vaccinations

Lincoln, NE - 2/5/2021 - Lincoln Police Department assists with traffic flow for a COVID-19 vaccination event at Pinnacle Bank Arena on Friday, Feb. 5, 2021. GWYNETH ROBERTS, Journal Star
COVID-19 vaccinations

Lincoln, NE - 2/5/2021 - A Lancaster County health department employee helps with traffic flow for a COVID-19 vaccination event at Pinnacle Bank Arena on Friday, Feb. 5, 2021. GWYNETH ROBERTS, Journal Star
COVID-19 vaccinations

Sandy Luedke (left), Jan Buffum and Lois Burger received COVID-19 vaccinations at an event for those in the Phase 1B priority group at Pinnacle Bank Arena on Friday.
COVID-19 vaccinations

Lincoln, NE - 2/5/2021 - People enter Pinnacle Bank arena during a COVID-19 vaccination event for those in the Phase 1B priority group on Friday, Feb. 5, 2021. GWYNETH ROBERTS, Journal Star
COVID-19 vaccinations

People wait after receiving a COVID-19 vaccination at an event for those in the Phase 1B priority group last Friday.
COVID-19 vaccinations

People enter a COVID-19 vaccination event for those in the Phase 1B priority group Friday at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
COVID-19 vaccinations

A person in the Phase 1B priority group receives a COVID-19 vaccine Friday at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
COVID-19 vaccinations

A health care worker prepares a COVID-19 vaccine at an event for those in the Phase 1B priority group Friday at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
COVID-19 vaccinations

A person in the Phase 1B priority group receives a COVID-19 vaccine Friday at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
COVID-19 vaccinations

People enter a COVID-19 vaccination event for those in the Phase 1B priority group Friday at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
Reach the writer at 402-473-7248 or dwalton@journalstar.com.
On Twitter @LJSdon