The Pennsylvania Department of Health recently expanded eligibility for the COVID-19 vaccine in the first phase of its launch. But supply levels have failed to keep up with demand, and those who may be eligible for the vaccine could still struggle to book an appointment.
The Department of Health has a resource on its website, listing the locations of the approximately 1,000 vaccination sites.
In the Lehigh Valley, both major health networks offer pre-registration, resulting in a notification when appointments are available. The Allentown Health Office opens new time on Thursday.
But some other vaccination sites indicate that they do not have appointments available, do not have the possibility of pre-registration and do not indicate when more appointments may be available.
“What I asked for is patience, and that’s really the key, patience,” said Amy Hutcheson, communications director for the Pa Department of Health.
Pennsylvania left each individual distribution site to register and establish its own vaccines.
“Assuming local people know best what’s going on in their area and can do the best thing by connecting with their citizens,” said Governor Tom Wolf.
People eligible for the vaccine can choose to enroll in more than one location to increase their chances of receiving earlier. The state asks people to cancel their other appointment requests after confirming a meeting.
The system is a little different in the vicinity of New Jersey. The state makes people register through the website or helpline, creating a more centralized registration process.
“Regardless of the vaccine you have, if there are limited doses, you will have the same result,” Hutcheson said.
As more doses and locations become available, the state says it should improve.
“It will drop absolutely,” Hutcheson said.
Starting next week, the state will have an online eligibility test and a text alert system, which lets you know when you can make an appointment. You will still need to schedule through individual vendors.