Philly Officials Give Rough Vaccination Timeline As Deaths Top 3K

Philadelphia PA

16 February, 2021

2:28 PM

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PHILADELPHIA — By the end of July, every Philadelphia resident who wants to get the coronavirus vaccine could be inoculated. But that depends on various factors, according to the city's health commissioner. Dr. Thomas Farley said during a Tuesday news conference that vaccine distribution to all who want it could be done by the end of July. According to Farley, this depends on the federal government following through with its goal of providing 600 million doses of the vaccine across the country. That timeline relies on quick arrival of doses, the ability of vaccine producers to scale up production, and approval of additional vaccines. And, Farley said, it depends on Philadelphia getting its share of doses. He estimated Phase 1B would be over at the end of April and Phase 1C would close at the end of May. Phase 2 is estimated to begin in June and vaccinate everyone who wants to be vaccinated by the end of July. Farley reiterated that this was a rough timeline that could be changed. This timeline comes on the heels of Philadelphia reaching more than 3,000 coronavirus-related deaths. The city has seen 3,001 death related to the virus. Recently, a nearly 40-year veteran of the Philadelphia Fire Department, John Evans, died Saturday due to the virus. Of those deaths, 1,633 have been 75 or older, 1,150 have been 55 to 74, and 208 have been 35 to 54. African Americans account for 44 percent of those deaths, with 1,358 lost to the virus. White coronavirus deaths are at 968, Hispanic 274, and Asian 136. One hundred sixty-seven deaths are listed as "unknown" race. Additionally, 1,124 — or 37 percent — of those deaths were long-term care facility residents. "This has been very tough on the city of Philadelphia," Farley said Tuesday. "It's been tough on Philadelphia individuals and Philadelphia families. We hope we're nearing the end of this, but the epidemic certainly has been difficult as we mark that milestone." "Yesterday, Philadelphia recorded its 3,000th death from COVID-19—that's more than 3,000 Philadelphians lost to this terrible virus in less than a year," said Mayor Jim Kenney. "My thoughts are with the loved ones of those who we've lost. Each life taken is one too many." Farley said weekly deaths have been declining, reporting 92 deaths the first week of January and down to 37 the week of Jan. 31. But more vaccinations mean fewer deaths, and the city is expected to get 10,700 Pfizer first doses and 15,600 Moderna first doses this week. Weekly allocations to the city are not expected to decrease for at least the next three weeks. Farley said the Johnson & Johnson vaccine is likely to get approval then arrive in the city on March 1. That vaccine only requires on dose to be effective. The city is also beginning to provide data on how many vaccines doses — both first and second doses — are being delivered each week. The week ending Feb. 7 aw 35,668 doses delivered, and the week ending Feb. 14 saw at least 44,000 doses delivered. Hospitals in the city are inviting patients in for vaccination at the facilities, and are running mass clinics in their communities. Federal qualified health centers and other clinics are also inviting patients in for vaccinations. The city itself is now inviting those who signed up online here to attend vaccination clinics planning to open Feb. 22. Additionally, the city is planning to host a vaccination clinic for more healthcare workers this weekend at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. Rite Aid and Shop Rite are getting 4,900 doses of the Moderna vaccine, and other businesses— such as Sunray pharmacies, Acme, and Walmart — are getting doses. The Black Doctors COVID-19 Consortium is also providing vaccines through clinics. Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia will begin vaccinating members of the Philadelphia public, private, charter, and religious school community Monday.