Drawing a map for people is not always useful.
An example of this was Pennsylvania’s map of places that allegedly have the COVID-19 vaccine. The state Department of Health map used green dots to indicate which health providers had it in stock.
But after Pennsylvania opened the floodgates for vaccine demand two weeks ago, making everyone over 65 and many others instantly eligible, the map got nowhere for many in Pennsylvania.
In some places marked with a green dot, the supply was only for local health care providers. In others, the doses available to non-healthcare professionals were quickly claimed. Many locations, due to the paralyzing volume of calls, have become inaccessible.
The state has now removed the green and red dots that signify the status of vaccine delivery. On Tuesday afternoon, it contains only blue dots.
Blue dots indicate suppliers that are part of the COVID-19 vaccine distribution program. In most places, people can click on the dot to find contact information.
“The use of blue dots indicates where vaccine suppliers are registered. As in many cases only providers know if they have available hours or not, we feel that this change would be the best representation for the public. Anyone who wants to schedule an appointment should check with the provider to see if they have a vaccine and appointments available, ”said state health department spokesman Barry Ciccocioppo on Tuesday afternoon.
Others said the best way to get as close to the front line of the vaccine as possible is to stay in close contact with your doctor.
About 4 million Pennsylvania residents are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine, which is available to people aged 65 and over and people aged 16-64 with chronic medical conditions.
Even so, the number of green dots – or at least green dots that remain green for any length of time – is likely to remain small for weeks.
Pennsylvania this week expects about 160,000 doses for people who get their first dose. The state is receiving an additional amount for people who received the first dose three weeks ago.
Some of the 160,000 doses are reserved for healthcare professionals, although most of them have been vaccinated, and healthcare providers, like large healthcare systems, are making the transition to make more of their allocations available to non-healthcare professionals. .
Another part of the 160,000 doses goes to people living in long-term care facilities. State officials hope it will take until the end of February to finish vaccinating them.
State health officials hope that the federal government’s supply of vaccines will grow substantially every week. Still, the math makes it clear that it will take many weeks to vaccinate all Pennsylvania residents who are currently eligible.
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