HARRISBURG (KDKA) – The state says some COVID-19 vaccine providers have accidentally given doses that should have been reserved for the second shot.
“In the short term, we are facing the second dose of Moderna vaccines that far exceeds the Moderna vaccine allocated to the state this week,” said Acting Health Secretary Alison Beam.
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This does not affect the Pfizer vaccine.
Beam said that approximately 200,000 Second Moderna doses were requested this week, which is approximately the statewide Moderna weekly allowance.
She describes it as a “structural problem” that began in early January and “worsened week after week.” Now the state is tackling it because it has become such a significant issue. Beam says the state is working on a plan to advance and secure a second dose.
“We are working to address this issue this week. In the next two to three weeks, we will have corrected this, “she said.
She did not say which providers made the mistake.
“First, we explored the excess unscheduled inventory for administration this week, and to the extent that we succeeded, we used it to address this issue. Secondly, one of the remedies includes adjusting the time of administration of the second dose of Moderna “, said Beam.
Beam says all vendors will follow CDC guidelines that say the minimum time between the first and second photo is 28 days, and the maximum is 42.
By extending the time between doses, while remaining in line with CDC guidelines, we can minimize any interruption of first-dose vaccinations, Beam said. “Our goal remains to provide extremely limited supply and vaccine to people as quickly as possible and efficiently.”
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Beam said there are about 30,000 to 60,000 people who will likely have to reschedule their second appointment a week or two later. As for the first meetings, there could be 30,000 to 55,000 doses that suppliers expected not to deliver.
Beam said anyone who took the wrong dose should not resume their vaccination process.
“There is no difference in the drug in the first and second dose,” Beam said.
The secretary said people should get the second shot in the same location as the first shot.
Health officials continued to stress that supply continues to be the main problem in obtaining firearms.
Allegheny County Health Director Dr. Debra Bogen says he keeps his first dose and his second dose separate. As for other sites, she couldn’t tell.
At this time, Dr. Bogen does not have time when the county sites can be extended to the entire phase 1A.
“The last two weeks have focused on people aged 65 and over. About half of our doses have so far reached those aged 65 and over, ”she said during Wednesday’s press conference.
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The county health department receives about 10% of the county’s vaccines. Most go to health systems and hospitals.