McKean County’s COVID-19 task force is monitoring the situation regarding vaccines, and stands ready should the county be called upon for a mass vaccination clinic.
A release from the task force explained that the federal government is responsible for securing the vaccine, and will release it to the states. Then, each state determines where the vaccines will be sent.
“Pennsylvania has been receiving 143,000 doses per week with 32% to Long Term Care Facilities, 19% to Hospitals/Health Care, 49% to pharmacies, federal retail companies, and residential care,” the release noted.
There are three registered vaccination sites in McKean County — Bradford Regional Medical Center, UPMC Kane and Port Pharmacy in Port Allegany. The Pennsylvania Department of Health webpage shows vaccine sites, and a green dot if vaccines may be available, or a red dot showing no vaccines are available. On Friday, Port Pharmacy had a red dot, while the two hospitals showed green dots.
A vaccine tracker is available, too, which shows how many people have been vaccinated with the first and the second doses. As of Friday, 1,352 people in McKean County had received the first dose, while 251 had received the second dose as well.
County officials noted that should a mass vaccination clinic be called for, the former St. Bernard’s School on West Washington Street in Bradford would be used as such.
While the CDC has issued phases of eligibility for the vaccine, the timing of the transition from one phase to the next is unknown.
“If you are part of a group that is eligible for vaccination, you can use the Pennsylvania Vaccine Provider Map ( https://www.pa.gov/guides/get-vaccinated/) to find a place to register to be scheduled for a vaccination,” the release stated.
“Contact the vaccine provider of your choice directly to request an appointment. This map will be updated as more locations are registered and as vaccine is received,” the release continued. “Although a provider may have received vaccine, there is no guarantee that they have open appointments as supply is still very limited. Check back frequently as the map will be updated multiple times per week.”
Should the county be called upon to administer vaccines, clinical and non-clinical volunteers will be needed to assist the Department of Emergency Services.
Healthcare workers who are licensed in Pennsylvania and able to give vaccines and adults who are able to assist with registration and other needs of the clinic are asked to register at ServPA. (www.serv.pa.gov)
