Erie, PA – Pennsylvania Department of Health Acting Physician General Dr. Denise Johnson today visited with medical clinic and vaccine provider, Primary Health Network (PHN) Wayne Primary Care, in Erie to encourage all Pennsylvanians to get vaccinated.
“Now that everyone age 12 and older is eligible to get vaccinated, it is more important than ever that information is readily available to answer all of your vaccination questions,” Dr. Johnson said. “We have been working diligently to make sure vaccine is accessible across the state, especially in minority communities. If you have already been vaccinated, encourage your loved ones to learn more about the COVID-19 vaccines so that they can make an educated decision to get vaccinated.”
Dr. Johnson’s visit to Erie included a tour of PHN’s facility and mobile vaccination unit. The visit is another effort to educate individuals about the vaccine and help address their concerns. The department expanded its vaccine provider network to include trusted local primary care physician’s offices and privately owned pharmacies in addition to hospitals and retail pharmacies across the commonwealth.
“We believe that good information will help people make good decisions,” Dr. Johnson continued. “We recognize that it is critical for us to meet people where they are. We are working with local leaders, influencers, medical professionals, and trusted messengers to ensure that our efforts represent the diversity of our communities as well as to provide the hyper local approach to addressing anyone’s concerns about the vaccine.”
You can monitor the progress of vaccinating all Pennsylvanians, including minorities, on the race and ethnicity page of the Pennsylvania COVID-19 Vaccine Dashboard.
The Department of Health is working to ensure the vaccine is provided in a way that is ethical, equitable and efficient to all Pennsylvanians:
- All Pennsylvanians age 12 and older are eligible to schedule a COVID-19 vaccine. Use Vaccine Finder to find a COVID-19 vaccine provider near you.
- A commonwealth COVID-19 vaccination guide explains the current process for getting one. Pennsylvanians with questions about the vaccination process can call the Department of Health hotline at 1-877-724-3258.
- All of the locations that received vaccine and how much they have received can be found on the COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution webpage.
- Vaccine dashboard data can also be found on the website to find more information on the doses administered and showcase demographic information.
- The Unite Against COVID Weekly Update is a round-up of news you can use and answers to your most pressing vaccine questions – delivered directly to your inbox every week.
- Frequently asked questions can be found here.
The Wolf Administration stresses the role Pennsylvanians play in helping to reduce the spread of COVID-19:
- Get vaccinated with one of the three safe and effective vaccines available to provide the best layer of protection.
- 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.
- 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: Mark O’Neill, ra-dhpressoffice@pa.gov
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