Over the past few months, Allied Services has allocated time and resources
in preparation for large-scale community vaccination clinics at our facilities
in accordance with the Pennsylvania Department of Health (PA DOH) vaccination
roll-out plan.
Despite our best efforts and continued communications with the PA DOH,
we have received only very limited supplies of the vaccine beyond our
initial request on behalf of our dedicated healthcare workers and medical
partners. We share your disappointment. Throughout this process, we have
remained committed to administering the vaccine as quickly as possible
to members of our community. Thank you for your patience and understanding.
On March 18, the Pennsylvania Department of Health provided an update on
the COVID-19 vaccination rollout. This included the news that it will
reduce the number of community vaccine providers who receive a supply
of the vaccine.
"The next step in our rollout is to focus our Moderna and Pfizer allocations
across approximately 300 providers who have best demonstrated the ability
to help us achieve our goal of getting as many individuals vaccinated
as quickly and equitably as possible" PA COVID Vaccination Program.
The PA DOH's decision to reduce the number of community vaccination partners
from more than 2,000 to just 300 across the state means that Allied Services
will not receive any first doses over the next few weeks.
If you have received your first dose with us, we will be able to guarantee
your second dose.
If you are on our waiting list and have not already received or been scheduled
for your first dose of the vaccine, we regret to inform you that we will
not be able to provide you with a vaccination appointment now or in the future.
The
Pennsylvania Vaccine Provider Map has been updated to help users find providers in their community. This
map will be updated weekly on Monday afternoon. Click on a marker to see
details on vaccination locations. All locations listed on the map are
enrolled providers. The dark blue circles represent locations which received
vaccine from the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the light blue
diamonds are locations which received vaccine directly from the federal
government.
For more information call the Pennsylvania Department of Health's COVID-19
vaccination hotline at
1.877.724.3258.
A: Vaccines greatly reduce the chance of becoming infected with a virus. In clinical trials (studies), the two currently available vaccines were about 95% effective at preventing the virus. If you do get infected with COVID-19 after receiving the vaccine, vaccines can help your body fight the infection and reduce the severity of the disease. Remember, even with a COVID-19 vaccine, you will need to continue wearing a face mask and practicing physical distancing.
A: No. Because the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines do not contain virus and cannot
infect the vaccinated person, the vaccine itself cannot transmit the virus
to the individual receiving the vaccine or to those around them.
However, it typically takes a few weeks for the body to build immunity
after vaccination. Importantly, you could become infected with the virus
that causes COVID-19 from external sources (NOT from the vaccine), shortly
before or after vaccination and get sick because the vaccine has not had
enough time to provide protection.
If you have symptoms not commonly seen after the vaccine, (such as shortness
of breath, cough, loss of taste/smell, sore throat, runny nose) or a temperature
higher than 100.4° F, you should contact your personal physician.
A: If you have a history of severe allergic reactions to vaccines, talk with your doctor before receiving the vaccine.
A: If you are not feeling well, it is recommended that you wait until you are feeling better to get the vaccine.
A: Two shots are needed to provide the complete protection. The first one primes the immune system, helping it to recognize the virus, and the second one strengthens the immune system. You will need to receive the second dose at the same location you receive the first.
A: Please arrive at the exact time indicated on your scheduled appointment to help us maintain social distancing. You’ll receive information about the vaccine and its emergency use authorization, potential side effects and prevention protocols after your vaccination. We’ll also give you documentation that you received the vaccine — make sure to keep this while waiting for your second dose. Even after you’ve received a vaccine, you must still continue preventive best practices like hand-washing, masking and physical distancing.
A: Side effects are like other vaccines. The most common side effects are pain/redness at the injection site, headaches, fatigue, muscle/joint aches and low-grade fever. Most side effects last less than 24 hours.
A: For the safety and protection of our staff and patients, and in accordance with guidelines, you should quarantine for 10 days once you have tested positive for the virus and 20 days from testing if you were hospitalized due to COVID-19,
A: Yes. While experts learn more about the protection that COVID-19 vaccines provide under real-life conditions, it will be important for everyone to continue using all the tools available to us to help stop this pandemic, like covering your mouth and nose with a mask, washing hands often, and staying at least 6 feet away from others. Experts need to understand more about the protection that COVID-19 vaccines provide before deciding to change recommendations on steps everyone should take to slow the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19.