Rep. Martin Causer, R-Turtlepoint, shared some positive news Tuesday evening in regard to the vaccine situation: An emergency shipment of COVID-19 vaccine is on its way to McKean County.
Causer explained that a meeting was held Tuesday night that involved Department of Health officials, McKean County commissioners and Sen. Cris Dush, as well as Causer.
A statement from the McKean County Commissioners indicated the meeting with the Governor’s office was intended to address concerns about vaccine distribution for the five countywide designated sites: BRMC, UPMC Kane, Rite Aid in Port Allegany and Kane and Port Pharmacy.
“In Monday’s Bradford Era, potential changes in provider eligibility and county allocations were reported. Tuesday’s phone call indicated the information was the result of a clerical error in data entry reflected in the DOH provider map,” the statement said.
With this discovery, moves were made to rectify the situation.
“Vaccine is on the way to both Bradford Regional Medical Center and UPMC Kane. It’s really good news that vaccine is on the way,” Causer said Wednesday. “People all over the county were reaching out to me and were very concerned — and rightfully so.”
He noted that the lack of a vaccine provider in McKean County was a significant obstacle for local residents hoping to receive the vaccine.
“I stressed that with the (state health) Department, they don’t understand the transportation issues we face. Some residents can’t get to other facilities to get the vaccine. Not only is it limited transportation, but some have limited mobility,” he explained.
Causer noted that the news of the emergency shipment is a start, but that is not the only positive outcome.
“(State officials) are making the commitment that it will continue coming, and I plan to stay on top of this so they continue sending it,” Causer said.
He also noted that clinics are set to be held as scheduled for today and Friday at UPMC Cole’s Cole Wellness Center in Coudersport.
Information from the commissioners noted that they are also in close contact with local facilities to ensure that the vaccine distribution can continue locally.
“Commissioners and EMA staff called a meeting with the two local hospital providers Wednesday morning to confirm that both UPMC Kane and Bradford Regional Medical Center are listed as providers to receive vaccine. Staff from both facilities also confirmed they were receiving communication about potential allocations,” the commissioners’ statement said.
Karen Beardsley, Public Relations Manager for UPMC Northern Tier, which includes
Hamot, Chautauqua, Northwest, Kane, Passavant, Jameson and Horizon, reached out to clarify the vaccine situation with UPMC Kane.
“UPMC continues to ensure accessible and convenient COVID-19 vaccination through local partnerships, community clinics and mass vaccinations. While UPMC can deliver up to 100,000 doses across all our communities each week, like all vaccinators, we depend on supply from the Commonwealth,” Beardsley said. “When specific allocations come to one region, UPMC has the flexibility to reposition vaccine to keep community sites open and operational to the extent possible. That’s exactly what we’re doing at UPMC Kane.”
The UPMC Kane COVID-19 vaccine clinic, which is already scheduled, will offer both first and second doses. This is possible because UPMC has the flexibility to reposition vaccine between locations as necessary.
“Currently, there are about 350 community members who’ve requested to receive a first dose vaccine at the UPMC Kane vaccine clinic,” Beardsley said. “UPMC is able to ensure vaccine supplies remain accessible from within McKean County because of our integrated system design and ability to efficiently reposition vaccine, within parameters defined by the Commonwealth.”
She explained that all COVID-19 vaccine appointments with UPMC continue to be by appointment only. Community members who qualify for a COVID-19 vaccine should register at Vaccine.UPMC.com, or for those who need assistance, they can call 844-UPMCVAC (844-876-2822) between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., seven days a week.
In regard to vaccine distribution in McKean County, Maggi Barton, Deputy Press Secretary for the Pennsylvania Department of Health shared information for clarification as well.
“Currently two providers in McKean County are receiving vaccine through the federal Retail Pharmacy Program partnership,” Barton said. “The Department of Health continues to work with a focused vaccine provider network to get vaccine to people who want it. We distribute a survey each week to determine the amount of vaccine requested and work to allocate the limited supply to providers in the focused network.”
Barton explained that the department is in contact with providers in McKean County and maintains regular communication to ensure they are receiving the vaccine they are requesting or “as much vaccine as they are able to administer to their residents to best support their community.”
She also stated that the state Health Department’s vaccine provider map will be updated as other providers receive vaccine.
