As the Department of Health continues to assess and improve the complex processes required to get the manufacturers’ COVID-19 vaccine to the arms of Pennsylvania as soon as possible, we found that some providers inadvertently use the Moderna vaccine. that was sent to them and intended as second-dose as first-dose, ”said Acting Health Minister Alison Beam. “We are taking immediate action to remedy the situation and are committed to ensuring that second doses are available.”
About 30,000 to 60,000 first doses may not be delivered to healthcare providers on time, and 30,000 to 60,000 second dose appointments may need to be delayed by at least two weeks, officials said.
To solve the problem, the Department of Health has considered several options, including suspending the first doses and instead of using them for already planned second doses. However, they chose another option that they believe will have less of an impact, especially as many have problems registering for a first appointment.
“After careful review and discussion with legislators on Governor Tom Wolf’s COVID-19 Vaccine Joint Task Force, we have a clear path forward, which may include adjusting the timing of the second dose administration according to CDC guidelines that limit the minimum time. between doses set at 21 and 28 days and the maximum time at 42 days, ”said Beam.
In a press call late in the afternoon, COVID press secretary for the Pennsylvania Department of Health, Barry Ciccocioppo, said the Department of Health found out last weekend that they were short of supplies. The unidentified providers have been making the mistake since January. He explained that some health care providers may not be affected because they may still have adequate doses on hand.
For weeks, health officials have been telling healthcare providers not to stop second doses being administered, so providers can be assured that a second dose would be available from a separate supply.
Vaccine suppliers receive two separate dose shipments of the Moderna dual vaccine after placing an order with the Department of Health. Providers then receive the doses directly from the manufacturers. The Ministry of Health was not aware that the shipments containing the first dose and the shipments containing the second dose were not clearly marked. As a result, many providers have not distinguished the difference.
The Department of Health has a list of affected providers in their system and is in the process of reviewing the list.
Suppliers are expected to contact people scheduled for their second dose if they are deficient.
“The department is working directly with vaccine suppliers throughout this process and, in line with the vaccine order I signed last week, will be able to provide more accurate information each week on vaccine allocation to increase transparency and predictability at first doses” , said Beam. .
This week, Pennsylvania received 200,000 second dose of Moderna applications, which is nearly the amount of the state’s weekly allotment of Moderna first and second doses. There is no medical difference between the first and second dose.
Val Arkoosh, Montgomery County Commissioner, said on Wednesday that this will affect the county. At least one vaccine site has been partially closed due to the shortage.
She added that her office was doing everything right.
“I can assure you with 100% certainty that our team has been meticulous about keeping the first and second doses separate,” said Arkoosh. “The second doses have all been given correctly, but I cannot speak for another supplier in the province.”
To date, Pennsylvania has vaccinated 1.7 million people, half a million of whom have received both doses.
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