Virginia has earmarked $22 million in federal CARES Act funding to create a statewide program to distribute COVID-19 vaccines when such vaccines are approved for public use, Gov. Ralph Northam announced last week.

Virginia’s draft vaccination plan was submitted to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention earlier this month.

Several companies are working to create COVID-19 vaccines, which are expected to be finalized and approved for distribution in the coming months. A mass vaccination program such as this requires significant advance planning for purchases of equipment, support for local health districts, staff to manage the program, warehousing medical supplies, and communicating with the public, according to a release from the governor’s office.

“We look forward to the day that a safe vaccine for COVID-19 is available for public use, so that we can get closer to living normal lives,” said Northam. “We want to be ready to help Virginians get that vaccine as quickly, e...