Latest Allegheny County Coronavirus Vaccine Updates

Pittsburgh PA

19 February, 2021

10:23 AM

Description

PITTSBURGH, PA — A disastrous coronavirus vaccine mix-up reported at the state level could lead to as many as 60,000 second-dose appointments being delayed across Pennsylvania for as long as two weeks. It's unclear how many Allegheny County appointments could be pushed back, but one thing is clear: It's not getting any easier to get inoculated here. The vaccinations could be delayed after some providers spent weeks giving dedicated second-dose shots as first doses. The Allegheny County Health Department was not among those providers, health department director Dr. Debra Bogen said this week at a media briefing. But the shortage of doses could prompt appointment postponements at county vaccination sites. Here's where things currently stand: UPMC says vaccine supplies remain "extremely limited" and its vaccination efforts are focused on UPMC and non-UPMC health care workers, seniors who live in UPMC skilled nursing facilities, and community members most vulnerable to COVID-19. UPMC hospitals and doctors' offices cannot pre-schedule vaccines or add patients to a waiting list.Similarly, the Allegheny Health Network says "there is simply not enough supply to go around at this time." The network also is focusing its vaccination efforts to the region's most vulnerable populations.Appointments are filled at Allegheny County's vaccination clinics in Monroeville and Castle Shannon. However, individuals seeking appointment may continue to check on availability as there may be occasional cancellations. Giant Eagle pharmacies are offering vaccinations. Check here for locations and available appointment times. If no appointment slots appear, that means all times are booked or that particular pharmacy does not currently have the vaccine. Rite Aid is providing limited information on how to get a vaccination at one of its Pennsylvania locations. The chain also is stressing that vaccine supplies are "extremely limited" at this time. Beaver Health Mart in Beaver suspended its online vaccination registration because of a lack of supplies. CVS is providing vaccinations in a number of states, but Pennsylvania isn't yet one of them. The Walgreens vaccination rollout in Pennsylvania also has yet to begin. Walmart and Sam's Club locations also aren't offering them yet, nor is Costco. The state remains in Phase 1A of the vaccination plan. Those eligible to be inoculated include long-term care facility residents, health care personnel, those under 65 and people ages 16 to 64 with serious medical conditions that make them more at risk for severe illness due to COVID-19. According to state Department of Health statistics as of Friday morning, 93,863 Allegheny County residents had received the first shot, while 44,002 people had received a second shot. Two shots are required to be fully inoculated. Click here for a detailed list of who is currently eligible for the vaccine. Click here for a map of places offering the vaccine.