Colorado is one of 10 jurisdictions chosen to participate in a COVID-19 vaccine distribution pilot program by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Operation Warp Speed.

The test, conducted with the U.S. Postal Service, FedEx and Pfizer and McKesson pharmaceuticals, will demonstrate the state’s end-to-end logistical readiness to distribute the vaccine when it becomes available.

“Colorado is prepared to receive and distribute COVID-19 vaccines as soon as one becomes available,” said the State Emergency Operations Center.

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“(The) test is an opportunity to increase operational readiness as well as evaluate the state’s ability to coordinate, communicate and share information from a multi-agency, multi-jurisdictional, multi-disciplinary standpoint.”

For the test, Colorado health officials will identify a location to receive the vaccine, submit orders to the CDC with a fake drug code, receive a thermal shipping container without vaccine and mock ancillary kits and report the receipt of containers and kits.

A second test will be held on Nov. 30 with 52 additional jurisdictions, federal partners and pharmacy partners. Colorado will not participate in the second test.

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State health officials urge the public to continue to follow health guidelines during the test, including avoiding gatherings, wearing a mask and maintaining social distancing.