When COVID-19 vaccines first became available, it was almost impossible to get an appointment.
Now, Gov. Tom Wolf says that while there is more availability, the slots should fill up faster than they are.
Wolf said they have been hesitant about the vaccine since a vaccine first appeared, but it was not covered at the time because supply could not meet demand. But now that the demand is here, hesitation is becoming more and more important.
With the break for the Johnson & Johnson vaccine extended to at least next week, government officials hope to keep the public’s confidence.
“Now, I know that the recent J&J break has raised some questions, but I think what it really does is give us a reason to be more confident that these vaccines are safe,” Wolf told a news conference Friday.
There have been six cases of blood clots in women who have been shot, but Wolf says it is unknown at this time whether these incidents were directly linked to the vaccine.
“Almost 7 million J&J vaccines have been administered in this country and there are 6 cases, 6 out of 6.8 million,” Wolf said.
Blood clot reactions in combination with low platelets are not seen in Pfizer or Moderna vaccines.
Pennsylvania Health Secretary Alison Beam says the vaccine’s hesitation is becoming more apparent as appointment slots are not filled.
“We don’t see an increase in waste. The availability of programming gives us cause for concern, however, as this indicates hesitation, which is the challenge to come,” Beam said.
Qualified health care facilities in Pennsylvania saw a 53% increase in vaccination, compared to the national average of 37%, which Beam says is good, but could be better.
“This evidence is how far we have to go and how much of a challenge it is to overcome the hesitation of the vaccine in the near future,” she said.
“We can’t afford to take our foot off the gas pedal and so as supply has grown and appointments become available, we have to move,” Wolf said.
Beam says the administration is working to build contingency plans, so if there is an extended break on the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, they will be able to respond to the request using only Pfizer and Moderna.