A new UPMC website and phone number allows people to sign up to receive notifications and schedule an appointment when the COVID-19 vaccine is available, although appointments are not scheduled immediately.
However, UPMC said it is encouraging people to sign up so that they can get a quick consultation when the vaccine is available.
“The supply of vaccines from the state and federal government is still limited, but by registering now, we will be able to contact you about scheduling an appointment when the vaccine is available. Be patient – we want to vaccinate as many people as possible and will do it quickly as soon as we receive the vaccine from the Pennsylvania Community. There is no other way to get the vaccine than the community, and vaccinating the public will take weeks to months, not days, ”said UPMC.
People can find more information and register here. UPMC said its vaccine is available to patients and non-patients. Those who prefer to register by phone can call 844-876-2822 between 7 am and 7 pm on any day.
UPMC is facing the same scarcity that affects most, if not all other health systems and pharmacies. While tens of thousands of Pennsylvania citizens have scheduled appointments and are being vaccinated every week, a large accumulation quickly emerged after Pennsylvania expanded eligibility for the vaccine on January 19.
York-based WellSpan, for example, recently said it has a portfolio of about 45,000 people looking for nominations.
The good news is that vaccinations by health professionals, who have received much of the supply so far, are decreasing, leaving more vaccine for others.
Pennsylvania’s vaccine distribution, which is being distributed by the federal government, is also growing.
Last week, Pennsylvania received 183,575 first doses and 143,275 second doses.
Since the beginning of Monday, Pennsylvania has received about 3 million doses since the vaccine was made available just before Christmas. About 632,000 people received the two doses needed for total protection.
Approximately 4 million Pennsylvania residents are part of Phase 1A to receive the vaccine, which includes health professionals, long-term residents, everyone aged 65 and over, and people aged 16 to 64 with chronic medical conditions.