PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – The Pennsylvania’s Department of Health on Wednesday unveiled a massive vaccine allocation error that could affect more than 100,000 vaccination appointments. The error only affects the Moderna vaccine.
The health department says some healthcare providers have mixed up 200,000 first and second doses. The state is now trying to find a replacement vaccine and to reschedule agreements.
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“We’re not here to be blamed anywhere,” said Acting Pennsylvania Health Secretary Alison Beam.
The acting health secretary declined to name the vaccine providers who made the mistake, calling it a perfect storm that resulted in the blackout of 200,000 doses of Moderna vaccine.
“We found that some suppliers accidentally used the Moderna vaccine that was shipped to them, intended as a second dose, as the first dose,” said Beam.
They are now struggling to get extra vaccine and use surplus supplies, with the first priority being between 30,000 and 60,000 people getting a second dose of Moderna.
That should be done in 28 days, but it can be extended to 42 days.
“By extending the time between doses while staying within CDC guidelines, we can minimize any disruption to first-dose vaccinations,” said Beam.
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The unnamed providers, including a growing number of pharmacies that made the mistake, will do the rescheduling.
“I can assure you with 100% confidence that our team has been meticulous in keeping the first and second doses separate,” said Dr. Valerie Arkoosh, Chairman of the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners.
While Montgomery County hasn’t messed with doses, Arkoosh says they have to juggle appointments because of the assignment error.
“I was surprised, furious and disappointed,” she said.
State officials blame restricted vaccine, but the acting health secretary admitted there was insufficient oversight of health care providers.
“Communication will be further improved throughout our journey so that we can prevent this from progressing,” said Beam.
Many have criticized the state for not having a centralized vaccination system, and distribution is basically left to the suppliers.
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Montgomery County says it will close or change the operating hours of its mass vaccination clinics due to weather and misappropriation.