Version 6 of the Pennsylvania Interim Vaccination Plan was uploaded to the website on March 4: https://www.health.pa.gov/topics/Documents/Programs/Immunizations/PA%20Interim%20Vaccine%20Plan%20V.6.pdf.
This week the Department of Health added several languages, including Spanish, Chinese and German to the Your Turn tool. Again, this tool helps Pennsylvanians understand where they fall in the vaccine prioritization effort and to be alerted when it is their turn to schedule an appointment for the COVID-19 vaccine via email.
All of the locations that received vaccine and how much they have received can be found on the COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution webpage.
Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) Vaccine
We know that as we move forward, additional vaccines will likely be coming to the market as they complete their trials and move through the FDA’s Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) process.
On Saturday, Feb. 27, 2021, the FDA granted the Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) vaccine an EUA.
The department is following the guidance issued by the CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and FDA for usage of Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) for anyone ages 18 and older.
The first allocation of Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) vaccines will be administered to educators, child care workers, and school staff.
The vaccination of this group is separate from the ongoing Phase 1A vaccine rollout, which is continuing.
The initial priority is vaccinating school staff that have regular and sustained in-person contact with students during the regular school day, including teachers and staff working with:
- Pre-k and elementary students;
- Students with disabilities;
- English as a second language learners; and
- Other vulnerable students.
This is because younger children are more susceptible to learning loss and their families are more likely to have childcare challenges.
The Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency, departments of Education and Health are partnering with the 28 Pennsylvania Intermediate Units (IU) to establish vaccine sites.
The PA National Guard and AMI Expeditionary Healthcare (AMI) will be partnering to administer these vaccines.
Eligible school staff will receive information about vaccine locations and registration instructions.
The vaccine remains voluntary.
More information about this vaccination initiative can be found in press releases from the Governor’s Office of Communications and PEMA Press Office.
The department will continue to share information as frequently as possible.
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