Harrisburg, PA - As the effects of significant winter weather continue to impact the shipment of COVID-19 vaccine, the Wolf Administration, along with Pike County officials, will be rescheduling the community vaccination clinic planned for Saturday, February 20 at Delaware Valley High School in Pike County. The clinic will be rescheduled in the upcoming week, and all those who were scheduled to attend will be notified by both phone and email.
“With Moderna vaccine not shipping this week due to the adverse weather, we must reschedule this vital clinic to vaccinate Pike County residents,” Acting Secretary of Health Alison Beam said. “We are working with Pike County to ensure that we can reschedule this clinic as soon as possible once we have a better idea of how delayed shipments will be processed and delivered by the vaccine distributors. Community vaccination clinics are vital to ensure vaccination in areas where there are few vaccine providers and I want to assure those due for second doses that they will be rescheduled as soon as possible and will be given their second dose within the CDC’s recommended timeframe.”
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance calls for the second dose of the Moderna vaccine to be administered between 28 and 42 days of the first dose. Those awaiting the February clinic had received their first doses on January 23, so even with the need to reschedule the clinic, will remain within the guidance for receiving the second dose.
Pennsylvania was allocated 183,575 first doses of vaccine this week, 112,400 doses of Moderna and 71,175 doses of Pfizer-BioNTech. Philadelphia receives its own, separate allocation of vaccine.
Earlier this week, hubs from which vaccine is distributed were significantly affected by winter weather. Moderna vaccine was not shipped from the distributor at all this week. The CDC is working with shipping partners to resume shipments as quickly as possible.
Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines were not shipped on Monday, February 15. A limited amount of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine was shipped the rest of the week, but nowhere near the full amount allocated to the state.
"Although we are grateful to the Department of Health for selecting Pike County as a site for its vaccination clinics, we are extremely disappointed that this second dose event has been postponed. This clinic served some of our most vulnerable residents. We look forward to getting it rescheduled and getting these individuals fully vaccinated as soon as possible. Our Office of Emergency Management, and the many community partners who supported this clinic, remain ready to assist with the effort," say the Pike County Commissioners.
There will be a significant backlog of orders for distribution as the federal government and the distributors work to begin shipping again. The federal government is working to catch up as efficiently as possible.
“The weather delays in terms of vaccine shipments is a national issue,” Sec. Beam added. “We are working diligently with the CDC, vaccine distributors and our vaccine providers as we address the backlog and catchup on vaccine administration.”
While vaccine supply from the federal government remains limited, the Department of Health is working to ensure the vaccine is provided in a way that is ethical, equitable and efficient. To keep Pennsylvanians informed about vaccination efforts:
The Wolf Administration stresses the role Pennsylvanians play in helping to reduce the spread of COVID-19:
- Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
- Cover any coughs or sneezes with your elbow, not your hands.
- Clean surfaces frequently.
- Stay home to avoid spreading COVID-19, especially if you are unwell.
- If you must go out, you are required to wear a mask when in a business or where it is difficult to maintain proper social distancing.
- Download the COVID Alert PA app and make your phone part of the fight. The free app can be found in the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store by searching for “covid alert pa”.
Updated Coronavirus Links: Press Releases, State Lab Photos, Graphics
MEDIA CONTACT: Barry Ciccocioppo - RA-DHpressoffice@pa.gov,
Ruth A. Miller, 717-651-2009; ruthmiller@pa.gov
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