The community’s COVID-19 vaccination distribution plan was designed to be fluid and flexible to meet federal government guidelines and recommendations. Today, Governor Tom Wolf and Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine announced the fourth version of the plan, detailing the updates and how the state is working to ensure rapid and safe implementation.
“Vaccination is an important tool to prevent the spread of COVID-19, and the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency have been working hard to facilitate the launch of a strategic and smooth vaccine,” he said. Governor Wolf. “But most of the vaccine distribution process is controlled by the federal government and, unfortunately, that means that there are many unknowns.
“However, my government is doing everything we can now to prepare for the day when the vaccine will be most widely available. There are signs of hope that we must embrace. They will help us regain control at a time when many things can seem very out of control. “
The first vaccine shipments to Pennsylvania are being given to healthcare professionals and, through the Federal Pharmacy Partnership, with information that the Department of Health has shared with the federal government, people who work and reside in long-term care facilities from the state also began to receive the vaccine. This work continues.
Although the supply of the vaccine remains limited, the department’s objectives are to prioritize those receiving the vaccine to maximize the benefits and minimize the damage caused by the virus. The constant goals remain to promote justice, mitigate health inequities and promote transparency.
Immunizing Pennsylvania residents with a safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine is an essential step in reducing the number of cases, hospitalizations and deaths. The Department of Health guides the distribution and administration of the COVID-19 vaccine in 66 of the 67 counties in the community. Philadelphia County receives independent federal funding, its own vaccine quota, and is establishing its own vaccination management plan COVID-19.
The state’s vaccination plan follows the plan established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in relation to the COVID-19 Vaccination Plan. The plan is provisional and is being updated continuously to reflect the latest recommendations from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and other available guidance and feedback received.
Dr. Levine provided details of the newly revised state plan.
“This update aligns our plan with the most recent recommendations from ACIP and CDC,” said Dr. Levine. “Phase 1A has been defined to identify specific healthcare providers. Phase 1B is now a significantly larger group of people that includes people aged 75 and over, those with significant health problems and essential workers. This update also creates Phase 1C, which is those people aged 65-74 and people with high-risk conditions, such as cancer, COPD, heart problems and pregnant women, and those essential workers not included in Phase 1A or B. ”
When more vaccine is available, anyone who was not previously covered and is 16 or older will be vaccinated in Phase 2.
The revised plan, as posted on the department’s website, includes a comment form for all stakeholders to provide information to be considered by the department. The form helps to fulfill the management’s objective of promoting transparency and making this process as fluid as possible.
“Our recent success in slowing the spread of the virus and the hope that we received with the introduction of these vaccines should give us energy to continue to fight this disease,” said Governor Wolf. “We need to remain patient while the vaccine distribution expands and the Department of Health works to keep everyone informed about the vaccine’s status.
“It will take time, but a future without COVID-19 is possible, and I thank all the inhabitants of Pennsylvania for joining me in the fight for that future.”
The most up-to-date information about the COVID-19 vaccine, including the fourth version of the plan, can be found in the vaccines section of the department’s website.