Dr. Joyce Continues to Urge Equitable & Accelerated Vaccine Distribution in PA

Press Release

Congressman John Joyce, M.D. (PA-13), a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, today followed up on his previous letters expressing concern for Pennsylvania's COVID-19 vaccine distribution plan and urged Governor Tom Wolf to prioritize equitable access for rural communities.

"As we mark a year of the COVID-19 pandemic in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, I continue to urge you and your administration to accelerate COVID-19 vaccine distribution equitably across the commonwealth," wrote Dr. Joyce. "Rural communities and local health leaders are desperate for increased availability of these safe and effective vaccines, as well as for clear communication about the distribution process. Since my first letter on January 29, the people of Pennsylvania have experienced little improvement in your administration's vaccine operation, which has been continually plagued by avoidable mistakes and miscommunications."

Citing concerns from community health leaders, Dr. Joyce strongly encouraged Governor Wolf, Acting Secretary Alison Beam, and the administration's public health leaders to increase clear and consistent communication with local health systems and vaccine providers.

"Every American who wants a vaccine should be able to get one, and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania must do its part to get shots into arms….Recently, I have learned that multiple rural health care providers in central Pennsylvania have been forced to cancel vaccine clinics," continued Dr. Joyce. "This is a devastating setback for vulnerable Pennsylvanians who are spending hours on the phone attempting to find an available dose, and also for the dedicated health care professionals working around the clock to administer vaccines. I urge you and Acting Secretary Alison Beam to improve your communication with Federally Qualified Health Centers and other vaccine providers about reporting and vaccine availability."

More than a month after sending his first letter, Dr. Joyce has yet to receive a response from Governor Wolf or his administration. In today's follow-up letter, Dr. Joyce once again reiterated his original questions for the governor and requested clarification on the administration's plan to ensure that every Pennsylvanian who wants a vaccine can get one.

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