| The federal government's roll out of donated remdesivir from Gilead Sciences Inc. didn't go well, but a plan in the works for allocating a vaccine against Covid-19 aims to avoid those pitfalls. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has been working on a plan to distribute a vaccine and make sure that people take it for the last few months, Director Robert Redfield told senators. "We're developing a plan as we speak building on the efforts that we have to build vaccine confidence in this country, which is really critical," Redfield said Tuesday in response to questioning from Senator Patty Murray, a Washington Democrat, during a hearing on reopening schools and businesses. "On top of that, there will be a very defined plan for distribution of this vaccine, prioritization of this vaccine, monitoring for safety."  Robert Redfield on July 2. Photographer: Graeme Jennings/Washington Examiner/Bloomberg The plan is being put together was part of a collective effort under Operation Warp Speed, the Trump administration's program to accelerate development of a Covid-19 vaccine and have one ready by early next year. While those who become ill with the novel coronavirus are typically eager to try drugs to fight the condition, a vaccine may be a tougher sell. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, told senators that health officials are "thoroughly aware" that some Americans don't trust the government, or vaccines in general. "We need to engage the community by boots on the ground," he said, adding Operation Warp Speed is working on just such a program. "There needs to be engagement of people who the community trusts, particularly individuals who are noted sports figures or whomever," Fauci said. Those celebrity endorsements could be coming soon. Health officials expect to have the vaccine plan ready in the "near weeks ahead," Redfield said. — Anna Edney | 
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