The Pennsylvania Health Department recently expanded eligibility for the COVID-19 vaccine during the initial phase of the rollout. But supply has failed to keep up with demand, and those who qualify for the vaccine may still struggle to make an appointment.
The health department has a resource on its website that lists the locations of the approximately 1,000 locations that offer vaccinations.
In the Lehigh Valley, both major health networks offer pre-registration, which results in notification when appointments are available. The Allentown Health Bureau opens new time slots on Thursday.
But some other vaccination sites indicate that they have no appointments available, no possibility to pre-register and no indication when more appointments are available.
“What we’ve been asking for is patience, and that’s really the key, patience,” said Amy Hutcheson, Pa’s communications director. Health Department.
Pennsylvania has left each individual distribution location to arrange its own vaccine registry and appointment.
“Ensuring that local people know best what is going on in their area and can do the best job of connecting with their citizens,” said Governor Tom Wolf.
People who are eligible for the vaccine can choose to apply at multiple locations to increase their chances of getting the vaccine sooner. The state simply asks people to cancel their other appointment requests once they confirm an appointment.
The system is a bit different in neighboring New Jersey. The state allows people to register through its website or hotline, creating a more centralized registration process.
“Whatever vaccine registry you have, if there are limited doses, you will get the same result,” Hutcheson said.
As more doses and locations become available, the state says it needs to improve.
“It will be absolutely right,” said Hutcheson.
Next week, the state already has an online admissions quiz and a text message alert system to let you know when you can make an appointment. You still need to make the appointment through individual providers.