Pennsylvania Health Secretary, Dr.Rachel Levine said the state is getting ready to move to Phase 1B of its vaccine rollout “soon.” During Monday’s press conference, Levine said the vaccinations include those 75 and older.
“Right now we’re focusing on the people in 1A that we talked about, but we do anticipate moving statewide into 1B soon and then we’ll be announcing information when that program starts,” explained the Doctor as reported by ABC27news.
Dr. Levine did not specify as to where vaccinations for the next group will take place, but encouraged people to talk back with their doctor with any questions about the vaccine.
You can read: This is how the vaccination process goes in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania expects to get $100 million for vaccination efforts. “We’re working now with the CDC about how that funding can be allocated to us and we can start to use that for our communication plan, for mass vaccine clinics, many different purposes,” said Levine.
She indicated that the transition could be made, even if every individual in the first phase, which includes healthcare workers and residents and staff of nursing homes, is not immunized.
The pace of the country’s vaccination campaign has faced scrutiny; however, in recent days, the rollout has accelerated, Levine said.
“Things geared up”
“I think that things have already geared up in Pennsylvania and throughout the nation last week,” she told reporters. “We can see that the vaccination pace has increased, and I think that that will continue to increase.”
According to a Report by Jack Tomczuc from Phillymetro, among those included in 1B are people ages 75 and older; first responders; correctional officers; food and agricultural workers; U.S. Postal Service workers; clergy; public transit employees; and those working in day cares, schools, grocery stores and manufacturing plants.
The next group will incorporate people ages 65 to 74, anyone over 16 with high risk medical conditions and other essential workers not included in 1B
Levine advised people who believe they fall into one of the priority categories to call their doctor if they have questions about the vaccine and related health matters.
