Frustration is growing among Pennsylvania residents trying to find the COVID-19 vaccine

EXTON, Pennsylvania (WPVI) – On Tuesday, the Pennsylvania Department of Health launched the “Your Turn” vaccine eligibility tool that is designed to help people understand where they stand on vaccine priority. However, some Pennsylvanians argue the problem is they can’t find a vaccine.

‘First I tried the number they gave you. It went on and on, ”said Gigi Lewis of West Oak Lane. “It answered and it clicked. Then I said, ‘Okay, let’s go online.’ (I) went online, filled out the form and was told I would be on the waiting list, someone would contact me. Never heard from anyone, it’s been a month. “

Thousands of Pennsylvanians have joined a Facebook group called PA COVID Vaccine Match Maker, where members share advice on how to get phase 1A individuals vaccinated.

Doctor Christine Meyer in Exton’s internal medicine founded the Facebook group and said her office has received thousands of emails and hundreds of phone calls from people begging to get the vaccine.

“There’s a cure. What they’re asking for exists, and it’s amazing, and it’s life-saving, and it’s produced and in areas outside of ours it’s not that difficult,” she said.

Meyer said members help each other find vaccine appointments and share information, such as when pharmacies have appointments.

“It’s a crowdsourcing zone where people just post their tips and tricks for success,” said Meyer.

6abc Action News has found the latest vaccine numbers:

Pennsylvania

– 1,049,609 people have received their first dose
– 302,639 people received their second dose

New Jersey

– 842,971 people received their first dose
– 242,362 people received their second dose

Delaware

– 126,615 people received a vaccine (no additional data)

Tuesday, Dr. Thomas Farley, health commissioner in Philadelphia, that things are better.

“This week we are receiving 10,700 doses of the Pfizer vaccine and the Moderna vaccine allocation is 14,400, from just over 10,000 before that,” Farley said.

Farley said the city of Philadelphia has no desire to create a drive-thru stadium for vaccination as residents of Delaware and New Jersey will benefit. In the past, Mayor Jim Kenney said a drive-thru vaccination site restricts residents who don’t have a car.

The federal government also gave Pennsylvania more than $ 1.6 million to create massive vaccination sites.