The state Department of Health on Tuesday added everyone 65 and older and everyone 16 to 64 with health issues that make them vulnerable to COVID-19 now eligible for the vaccinations.

The department also launched online tools that instruct users step-by-step on how to get vaccinated — although for now, the usefulness of the tools is limited by a lack of vaccines delivered by Operation Warp Speed, department officials said.

The health issues that qualify people 16 to 64 for vaccinations include cancer, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, heart problems, a weakened immune system, obesity, smoking, pregnancy, sickle cell disease and Down syndrome, according to the department website.

The changes add 3.5 million people eligible in the current round of vaccinations.

The online tools are available at pa.gov — look for “Guide: Getting the COVID Vaccine.” The tools include a short quiz to determine eligibility, an interactive map showing the location of vaccination sites and contact information for each site so people can make appointments and an indication whether each site currently has vaccine available, plus a section with frequently asked questions.

There is no guarantee that sites indicated on the map have open appointments, but it may pay to check back frequently for updates, which will occur “multiple times” a week, according to the website.

“We’re well aware that we don’t have enough vaccine to meet demand,” said Cindy Findley, leader of the state’s Vaccine Task Force.

People having trouble using the map to find a provider can call the department hotline at 1-877-724-3258.

Those heading to vaccination appointments should bring proof of eligibility, according to the website.

For those eligible based on age, the proof can be any ID that includes one’s birthdate.

For those eligible based on profession, the proof can be an employee ID card, a letter from an employer or a pay stub.

Some health care workers still need to be vaccinated, department officials said.

People who qualify due to a medical condition don’t need to bring proof of eligibility, although they should talk to their doctors to determine whether vaccination is “appropriate,” the department said.

Anyone going for a vaccination needs to wear a mask.

Those who get vaccinated will receive a card listing the type of vaccine received, the date of vaccination and a reminder to get a second dose, which will be three weeks later for those receiving the Pfizer vaccine and four weeks later for those getting the Moderna vaccine.

Several providers are shown on the map for Blair County; some with green dots indicating they have vaccines, some with red dots indicating they do not, for now.

Vaccination providers include hospital-affiliated locations, federally qualified health centers and pharmacies.

The Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency is planning to set up mass vaccination centers, according to department spokeswoman April Hutcheson.

“The more vaccines we receive, the more we can engage with partners,” Findley said.

Statewide, 409,000 people have received first doses so far and 68,000 have received both doses, according to the department website.

The state has received just over 1 million doses, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention COVID-19 Data Tracker.

Mirror Staff Writer William Kibler is at 949-7038.