Pennsylvania governor announces public health clinics; addresses future vaccine distribution plans
HARRISBURG, Pa. Public health clinics recently held throughout Pennsylvania vaccinated 100,000 residents at risk for the H1N1 flu, Gov. Edward Rendell announced on Thursday.
"With the federal government unable to provide accurate estimates and projections regarding the availability of H1N1 vaccine, distribution has been challenging," stated Rendell. "Overall, we are pleased with the H1N1 vaccine distribution process in Pennsylvania. Holding public clinics across the state over the weekend allowed us to provide vaccine to 100,000 individuals in the recommended priority groups who did not have previous access to the vaccine."
Staffing for 18 Department of Health clinics was provided through a collaboration that included more than 325 Department of Health staff, 150 emergency medical service providers and 200 community volunteers. Average wait time at these clinics was 12 minutes.
In addition to the 18 clinics offered by the Department of Health, vaccine was provided to the state's 10 county and municipal health departments.
As of Nov. 25, the Centers for Disease Control has allocated nearly 2.1 million doses of H1N1 vaccine to Pennsylvania, which is far less than what was anticipated based on early estimates provided by the CDC. The vast majority of this vaccine has been distributed to 1,451 certified providers including physician's offices, schools, and hospitals around the state to vaccinate individuals in the recommended target groups at highest risk of getting H1N1 or severe complications.
As vaccine becomes available, the department will continue to fill orders for certified providers and local and county municipal health departments.
The agency will also make H1N1 vaccine available at all 60 state health centers across the commonwealth to ensure access to those in the recommended groups. Beginning Nov. 30, citizens in the recommended target groups who do not have access to the vaccine can go to www.H1N1inPa.com to make an appointment online or call 1-877-PA HEALTH to set up an appointment.
Priority groups for receiving the H1N1 vaccination include pregnant women; those ages 6 months to 24 years of age; healthcare providers and emergency medical services personnel; parents, household members or caregivers of children under 6 months; and those under 65 years old with certain underlying medical conditions.
With the next few weeks the Department of Health expects to be able to move beyond the five target risk groups and make vaccine available to every state resident who wants it.