Credit: James O’Malley / County of Bucks
Bucks County will open public COVID-19 vaccination clinics to some residents qualified for Phase 1A next week.
Audrey Kenny, the county’s interim emergency management director, announced on Thursday morning that three clinics will open by appointment only – on the main campus of Bucks County Community College in Newtown Township, on the Upper Bucks Campus of the Bucks County Community College outside of Perkasie and at Bucks County Community College Gene and Marlene Epstein Campus at Lower Bucks on Veterans Highway in Bristol Township. The clinics will be open from Tuesday to Saturday during the day and night.
The clinics, which operate under a $ 14 million contract with AMI Expeditionary Healthcare, plan to administer 200 doses a day to start. The clinics are funded by federal funds sent to the county.
Those who will be contacted by county health professionals for vaccinations are in Phase 1A and registered through the county health department website. So far, about 200,000 residents have registered.
The county is choosing those being contacted for vaccination in order of registration and qualification, officials said.
As part of a “smooth launch”, the county was able to vaccinate a “small number” of elderly people over 85 through a clinic this week.
Residents and long-term care workers, health professionals, emergency medical rescuers and other frontline workers have been vaccinated through the county, area hospitals and a federal and state partnership with private pharmacies.
Bucks County officials expect the health department to receive 3,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccines next week. They expect 5,000 doses a week going forward and intend to keep increasing.
So far, 86% of vaccine doses that have arrived in Bucks County have gone to hospitals and pharmacies. The county received the remaining 14%.
As of Thursday morning, there were 35,863 partial vaccinations and 13,792 complete vaccinations, according to data from the state health department.
Credit: Facebook / Zoom
Bucks County Health Department Director Dr. David Damkser said that everyone is doing the best they can to provide vaccines to patients.
Bucks County Commissioners said more doses of vaccine are needed and the county is prepared to expand vaccines. Last week, Bucks County officials said they were able to vaccinate up to 15,000 people a week.
Bucks County Commissioner Diane Ellis-Marseglia said officials are looking for other locations in the county as potential mass vaccination clinics, but those locations have asked not to be identified until the plan is finalized.
AMI’s Expeditionary Medical Assistance contract allows the company to operate up to six vaccination clinics in the county.
Patch.com reported that Neshaminy Mall and the senior center in Bensalem Township will be vaccination clinics, citing Mayor Joseph DiGirolamo.
Damsker and the commissioners said they would like more doses of vaccine to be available. However, the number of vaccines that can be administered depends on how many doses can be produced and distributed.
Ellis-Marseglia said that county officials have spoken to state officials, neighboring county officials, elected representatives and state senators from both parties and Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick about the vaccine launch.
County officials in the region are hearing complaints about limited doses of vaccine.
“This is a frustration across the country,” said Harvie.
The launch was complicated by two doses required for both vaccines, storage requirements and the 15-minute waiting period for patients after receiving a dose, said Damsker and Harvie.
Looking ahead, Damsker said he cannot wait for a time when there will be many doses of vaccine in the county.
Ways residents can help reduce the spread of COVID-19:
- Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use a hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
- Wear a mask correctly when in a business or where it is difficult to maintain adequate social distance.
- Cover any cough or sneeze with your elbow, not your hands.
- Clean surfaces frequently.
- Stay at home to prevent the spread of COVID-19, especially if you are unwell.
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