“As the Department of Health continues to review and improve the complex processes required to obtain COVID-19 vaccine from manufacturers in the arms of Pennsylvania as soon as possible, we have found that some providers have mistakenly administered the Moderna vaccine delivered to them as a second- doses as the first doses, “said Acting Health Secretary Alison Beam.” We are taking immediate action to remedy the situation and are committed to making sure that the second dose is available. “
About 30,000 to 60,000 initial doses may not be delivered to suppliers on time and 30,000 to 60,000 secondary dose appointments may be delayed by at least two weeks, officials said.
To fix the problem, the Department of Health weighed several options, including suspending the first doses and instead of using them for the second dose already scheduled. However, they chose another option that I think will have a smaller impact, as many have trouble registering for a first date.
“After careful analysis and discussion with legislators on the joint working group for COVID-19 vaccine by Governor Tom Wolf, we have a clear path that may include adjusting the timing of the second dose, in line with the recommendations CDCs that set the minimum time between doses at 21 and 28 days and the maximum time at 42 days, “Beam said.
In a late afternoon press conference, Pennsylvania Department of Health COVID press secretary Barry Ciccocioppo said it was last weekend that the Department of Health found the supplies missing. Unidentified suppliers made the mistake in January. He explained that some suppliers may not be affected because they may have enough doses still at hand.
For weeks, health officials told providers not to hold back the second dose, assuring providers that a second dose would be available from a separate source.
Vaccine providers receive two separate doses of Moderna vaccine deliveries with two shots after placing an order with the Department of Health. Suppliers then receive the doses directly from the manufacturers. The Department of Health did not realize that the first dose transfers and the two doses were not clearly marked. As a result, many providers did not make a difference.
The Department of Health has a list of affected providers in their system and is reviewing the list.
Suppliers are expected to contact people scheduled for the second dose, if not delivered.
“The department works directly with vaccine providers throughout this process and, in line with the vaccination order we signed last week, will be able to provide more accurate information on vaccine allocations each week to increase transparency and predictability with the first doses, “Beam said. .
This week, Pennsylvania received 200,000 applications for the Modern Second Dose, which is almost the sum of the state’s weekly allocation of the First and Second Dose Supply. There is no medical difference between the first and second dose.
Montgomery County Commissioner Val Arkoosh said on Wednesday that this would affect the county. At least one vaccination site is partially closed due to shortages.
She added that her office did everything properly.
“I can assure you with 100% certainty that our team has been meticulous in keeping the first and second doses separate,” Arkoosh said. “The second dose was given properly, but I can’t speak for any other provider in the county.”
To date, Pennsylvania has vaccinated 1.7 million people, with half a million receiving both doses.
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