PA Vaccine Updates: Doses For Children, How Counties Stack Up

PENNSYLVANIA — The state endeavored to continue its vaccination efforts this week despite losing, at least for the time being, doses of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

Pfizer and Moderna shipments continued throughout the state, and counties worked to keep as many clinics open as possible despite the decrease in available doses.

As of Friday, the state has given 4.9 million first doses and 3.2 million full vaccinations.

Here are the latest vaccine updates from around Pennsylvania:

CHOP recommends children get vaccinated

Nearly 300 children have died from COVID-19, the Lab says. Pfizer's vaccine could soon become available to children aged 12 to 15, and parents should not hesitate, experts say. MORE.

What the fully vaccinated can, can't do

Questions like can I travel? Do I need to wear my mask? What about social distancing? have become quite common. MORE.

US passes 200 million vaccinations

As the United States surpassed 200 million administered coronavirus vaccine doses, President Joe Biden on Wednesday said businesses will be incentivized for encouraging employees and making it easier for them to get vaccinated. MORE.

Johnson & Johnson uncertainty leaves counties looking at multiple options

National health policy leaders are meeting again on Friday to discuss the J&J vaccine. It is paused in Pennsylvania through at least Saturday. Montgomery County is preparing for both outcomes: either a continuation of the pause, or resumption of administering doses. Hoping for the best, the county has already scheduled J&J appointments starting next week. MORE.

10 counties with highest vaccination rate in PA

Many rural parts of the state with smaller populations lead Pennsylvania in percentage of adults who have been fully vaccinated, according to one study that tracks county-level data around the nation. MORE.

COVID cases among vaccinated individuals extremely rare in PA

Only a very small number of fully vaccinated Pennsylvanians — 331 — have tested positive for coronavirus, indicating that the vaccine is working even better in practice across the state than it did in clinical trials. MORE.

For full information about getting a coronavirus vaccine in Pennsylvania, visit Patch's information hub.