90,000 More Eligible For Vaccine, Chesco Told To Expect Shortages

CHESTER COUNTY, PA — Chester County Health Department said it's been told to expect shortages of the COVID-19 vaccine after a change handed down from the state made 90,000 more people immediately eligible.

The Pennsylvania Department of Health announced Tuesday that people 65 and over and younger people with serious health conditions that put them at higher risk can now be vaccinated, and need not wait for a later Phase to open.

"Chester County Health Department is processing the impact of the recent changes made by the Pennsylvania Department of Health, moving those over the age of 65 and those 16-64 with certain medical conditions into Phase 1A," according to a news release from Chester County Government Wednesday evening.

Phase 1A previously included healthcare personnel, long-term care residents, the coroner, medical examiner, funeral staff, and EMS providers. The change adds more than 90,000 eligible people to Phase 1A, a large increase of eligible people for Phase 1A.

On average, the Chester County Health Department has received 2,000 doses per week, and in total, the county has been averaging receipt of 6,000 doses of the vaccine each week, divided among all providers, the county reported. Each vaccine requires two doses.

"The change in Phase 1A eligibility has not brought additional vaccines to our county," the county's news release stated.

"In fact, we have been told to expect vaccine shortages," said Chester County Information Officer Becky Brain.

" As an example, this week we requested 5,000 doses and only received 2,500. The shortage of vaccine is not an issue exclusive to Chester County. All other regions within Pennsylvania — and the nation — are affected by the lack of vaccine supply," said Brain.

The Health Department opens appointments — and locations — based on the availability of vaccine to administer.

The Chester County Health Department will be launching a system where those who work or live in Chester County can register their interest in receiving the vaccine, regardless of what phase they may be in.

Regular communication will go out to all who register, with updates on progress, vaccine, and appointment availability.

Residents are encouraged to monitor the Pennsylvania Vaccine Provider Map for other possible locations of vaccine providers in the county.