WellSpan Health today will achieve a COVID-19 vaccine milestone by administering it’s 20,000th dose to frontline heroes and team members across southcentral Pennsylvania.
Since December 18, team members, state registered EMS first responders, healthcare providers and staff within our local communities and WellSpan volunteers have been vaccinated within our various PODs (Points of Distribution). With the expansion of Phase 1A announced today by the Pennsylvania Department of Health, WellSpan is quickly preparing to accept online vaccine appointment scheduling tomorrow, Jan. 20,for people ages 65 and older, along with people ages 16-64 with medical conditions that make them more at risk for severe illness.
“The COVID-19 vaccine is providing hope to so many that have worked so hard through this pandemic in our healthcare facilities and across our communities,” explained Anthony Aquilina D.O., executive vice president and chief physician executive at WellSpan Health. “The strain on our health system from this pandemic is very real and getting this vaccine is the first step we can all take toward getting the spread of COVID-19 under control.”
WellSpan was among the state’s first hospitals to receive vaccine shipments, working collaboratively with the PA Department of Health’s phased approach to vaccine distribution. As of today, there are 20 WellSpan vaccination PODs located across Adams, Franklin, Lancaster, Lebanon and York Counties, with plans to open additional locations in later phases of distribution.
The vaccine has been through a rigorous process before being approved as safe and effective for emergency use by theFood and Drug Administration (FDA).
“We know that the scientific data is there to confidently endorse the COVID-19 vaccine as safe and effective,” said Michael Seim, M.D., senior vice president and chief quality officer at WellSpan Health. “That is why we have been planning this rollout since last summer so that we can stop the spread of COVID-19 and turn the corner in this pandemic.”
Eligible individuals under Phase 1A are now able to register for their COVID-19 vaccine through MyWellSpan. Please visit MyWellSpan to log in or sign up.
Community members seeking additional information about the COVID-19 vaccine and how they can get it when eligible should visit WellSpan’s dedicated Coronavirus Information web page: https://www.wellspan.org/covid19/covid-19-vaccine/
In the meantime, WellSpan encourages everyone to continue to follow safety precautions: wear a mask, wash your hands and stay six feet apart from others.
