December 17, 2020 COVID-19 Interim Vaccination Plan for Pennsylvania On December 11, 2020, the Pennsylvania COVID-19 Vaccine Task Force and Pennsylvania Department of Health released a COVID-19 Interim Vaccination Plan for Pennsylvania (PDF). The goal of the interim COVID-19 vaccination plan is to provide a transparent strategy to vaccinate all Pennsylvanians who want to be vaccinated so that Pennsylvanians can return to everyday activities as quickly and safely as possible. At this time, early childhood education professionals including teachers, school staff working directly with students, child care employees, and early intervention staff fall under the 1B category (page 14), defined as essential business personnel who cannot work remotely or maintain social distancing. A variety of factors influence the distribution of vaccinations, including vaccine supply levels, number of critical personnel requiring the vaccine, and vaccine storage requirements. The vaccine supply is projected to increase quickly over the proceeding months, allowing vaccination efforts to be expanded to additional critical populations and the general public. It is important to note that recommendations on the various population groups to receive initial doses of the vaccine could change after the vaccine is available, depending on each vaccine’s characteristics, vaccine supply, disease epidemiology, and local community factors. The Pennsylvania Department of Health will follow the U.S. Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC) ACIP recommendations in identifying populations of focus. More Resources for COVID-19 To best support these community members and the young children in their lives, Trying Together has created two resource lists, featuring helpful resources that families and educators can use to maneuver this difficult time. COVID-19 Resources for Families and Caregivers COVID-19 Resources for Early Care and Education Professionals For more information about COVID-19, visit the Allegheny County Health Department, World Health Organization (WHO), or Centers for Disease Control and Prevention websites.
September 24, 2020 Walk-In Flu Vaccines Available in Pittsburgh The Allegheny County Immunization Clinic is offering walk-in flu vaccinations at their location in Pittsburgh from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. The CDC recommends that every person aged six months and older receive an annual flu vaccination to reduce their risk of experiencing and spreading illness during flu season. About The flu vaccine is available to insured, underinsured, and uninsured Allegheny County residents. The walk-in clinic is for flu vaccines only. An appointment is required for all other vaccinations and services. To schedule an appointment, please call 412.578.8062. Anyone wishing to receive a flu vaccine should bring a form of identification and their insurance card (if applicable) with them. Face coverings are required. Additional evening hours will be available on Thursdays from 4 – 7 p.m. Clinic Location The Allegheny County Immunization Clinic is located on the fourth floor of the Hartley-Rose Building at 425 First Avenue in downtown Pittsburgh. The entrance to the building is on Cherry Way. Clinic Closures The clinic will be closed on the following days: Monday, October 12, 2020 (Columbus Day) Wednesday, November 11, 2020 (Veteran’s Day) Thursday, November 26, 2020 (Thanksgiving) More Information For more information on the clinic, please visit the Allegheny County website.