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State’s vaccine efforts criticized

Webster ‘troubled’ by lack of doses

HOLLIDAYSBURG — While state leaders have blamed the slow COVID-19 vaccination process on limited supplies, two Blair County commissioners on Tuesday criticized the state for its role in the delay.

Commissioner Amy Webster said she remains “troubled” by the lack of COVID-19 vaccines available to Blair County’s residents.

“The state seems to be falling short on their promises,” she said. “They have very few answers for us.”

Commissioner Bruce Erb recommended development of a statewide registration system for those seeking COVID-19 vaccinations to replace the current “inefficient system.”

The state has posted a map on its website showing locations where COVID-19 vaccinations are supposed to be available or where vaccinations will become available.

The lack of vaccine, however, has left people registering with several pharmacies and health care locations, including ones outside their county of residence. The system also has no cancellation option for those who get vaccinated and stay registered with additional providers while others are left waiting.

County Director of Public Safety Mark Taylor acknowledged the difficulty and frustration the vaccination sign-up system is creating.

“I take calls every day from people not able to get registered or scheduled,” Taylor said.

On the state level, Republican leaders in the House and Senate have chided Gov. Tom Wolf for the fact that Pennsylvania ranks second-to-last among states in vaccine administration. The state has managed to get less than half of its federal allocation of doses into people’s arms, according to data provided by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

As of Tuesday, 4,728 people in Blair County have received the first of two COVID-19 vaccinations, Taylor reported. Two weeks ago, Taylor advised commissioners that 4,000 received the first of two COVID-19 vaccinations.

“As Commissioner Webster said, there isn’t a lot (of vaccine) coming and there seems to be a disconnect somewhere, as to when we should be receiving more,” Taylor said.

In the meantime, Taylor said he would urge people to keep trying to secure vaccination appointments which should become easier when more vaccines are available.

“Patience, patience, patience,” Taylor said. “I know I said that last week, but that’s still key to this.”

Taylor also reported that he has been hearing of people reluctant to be vaccinated. He recommended they do some research.

“There’s a lot of good information out there on the websites, so if you have questions, please try to get them answered,” he said.

Taylor also reiterated that his office is ready, when it has access to vaccine, to coordinate a mass vaccination clinic at the Blair County Convention Center, as planned.

“Our only way of getting out of this pandemic, is for a large majority of Blair County to get vaccinated,” Taylor said.

Mirror Staff Writer Kay

Stephens is at 814-946-7456.

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