Pa. Department of Health: second doses of COVID-19 vaccine poorly used as first doses
As a result of unprecedented confusion, second doses of Moderna vaccine were used as first doses, causing health officials to struggle to allocate those doses effectively.
PHILADELPHIA – The Pennsylvania Department of Health announced that a second dose of the Modern vaccine was misused.
As a result of unprecedented confusion, second doses of Moderna vaccine were used as first doses, causing health officials to struggle to allocate those doses effectively.
Health officials called it a “structural issue” that started in early January, but was not addressed until it got worse week after week.
“While the Pennsylvania Department of Health works to improve the complex processes needed to get manufacturers’ COVID-19 vaccine into the arms of Pennsylvania residents as quickly as possible, we found that some providers have inadvertently used the Modern vaccine sent to them, intended as second dose as first doses, “explained Alison Beam.
Although she did not specify, Beam said that several providers misused the second doses of the Modern vaccine as first doses.
Calling it “the perfect storm of circumstances”, Beam pointed to an urge to deliver the vaccine, public demand, inconsistent vaccine allocations, confusion over Operation Warp Speed deliveries and the need for more frequent communication Department led to this problem.
In the short term, there is an excess of orders for Modern vaccines. However, the Pfizer vaccine is not affected by this problem.
As a way forward, Beam stated that they exploited the excess stock not yet scheduled for administration and will adjust the timing of the second dose.
Approximately 200,000 second doses of Moderna vaccine have been ordered, which is almost the entire allocation of Modern vaccines (including the first dose). Approximately 30-60,000 consultations may need to be rescheduled, according to health officials.
Ultimately, health officials indicated that vaccine shortages in general were a major cause of the circumstances surrounding the problem they are currently dealing with.
Pa health officials say that some second doses of the COVID-19 vaccine were administered as first doses
The Pennsylvania Department of Health says that some doses of the Modern vaccine that should be used as a second dose, were given to others as first doses.
The Pennsylvania Department of Health is working to ensure that those who need their second dose can get it, but are likely to have to reschedule. Patients will be able to get their second injection within two weeks, according to health officials.
“We are committed to ensuring that a second dose is available,” said Beam.
The ultimate goal is to ensure that the extremely limited number of vaccines is distributed to people as efficiently and quickly as possible, explained Beam.
Montgomery County Commissioners announced that first dose clinics will be closed on Thursday, February 18, and Friday, February 19 due to a combination of reduced supply and inclement weather forecasts.
The Lehigh Valley Health Network also announced that, due to Pennsylvania’s lack of adequate vaccine supplies, they must cancel and reschedule COVID-19 vaccination appointments for people scheduled to receive their second dose of the Modern vaccine on Friday, 19 February.
___
DOWNLOAD: APP FOX 29 NEWS
SUBSCRIBE: Good Day Digest Newsletter | FOX 29 Philly on YouTube
FOLLOW: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter