“As the Department of Health continues to review and improve the complex processes needed to bring COVID-19 vaccine from manufacturers into the arms of Pennsylvania as quickly as possible, we found that some providers inadvertently administered the Modern vaccine sent to them as a second doses as first doses, “said acting health secretary Alison Beam. “We are taking immediate steps to remedy the situation and are committed to ensuring that a second dose is available.”
Approximately 30,000 to 60,000 first doses may not be delivered to providers in time and 30,000 to 60,000 second dose consultations may have to be postponed for at least two weeks, officials said.
To solve the problem, the Department of Health evaluated several options, including suspending the first doses and instead of using them for the second doses already scheduled. However, they chose another option that they believe has less impact, specifically because many are having trouble signing up for a first appointment.
“After careful review and discussion with lawmakers on Governor Tom Wolf’s Joint Vaccine Task Force COVID-19, we have a clear path to follow that may include adjusting the time for administering the second dose following the CDC guidelines that define the minimum time between doses in 21 and 28 days and maximum time in 42 days “, said Beam.
In a late afternoon press call, Pennsylvania Department of Health COVID press secretary Barry Ciccocioppo said it was last weekend that the Department of Health discovered that they were out of supply. Unidentified providers have made the mistake since January. He explained that some providers may not be affected because they may have sufficient doses still available.
For weeks, health officials have been telling providers not to withhold administration of second doses, guaranteeing providers a second dose of a separate supply.
Vaccine suppliers receive two separate doses of shipments of the Moderna double vaccine after placing an order with the Department of Health. Suppliers then receive the doses directly from the manufacturers. The Department of Health did not notice that the first and second doses were not clearly marked. As a result, many providers have not distinguished the difference.
The Department of Health has a list of affected providers in its system and is reviewing the list.
Providers are expected to contact people scheduled for their second dose if they are out of supply.
“The department is working directly with vaccine suppliers throughout this process and, according to the vaccine order I signed last week, will be able to provide more accurate information on vaccine allocations each week to increase transparency and predictability with the first few doses, “said Beam.
This week, Pennsylvania received 200,000 requests for a second dose of Moderna, which is almost the amount of the state’s weekly allocation for the supply of first and second doses of Moderna. There is no medical difference between the first and the second dose.
Montgomery County Commissioner Val Arkoosh said on Wednesday that it will affect the county. At least one vaccine site has been closed in part because of a shortage.
She added that her office did everything properly.
“I can assure you with 100% certainty that our team has been meticulous in keeping the first and second doses separate,” said Arkoosh. “The second doses were all administered properly, but I cannot speak for any other provider in the county.”
To date, Pennsylvania has vaccinated 1.7 million people, with half a million receiving both doses.
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