Dr. Joyce, PA Republicans Continue to Press Wolf Admin on Vaccine Failures

Press Release

Today Congressman John Joyce, M.D. (PA-13) and Republican members of Pennsylvania's Congressional delegation wrote Governor Tom Wolf to request answers on his administration's plan to address the many failures of the vaccine rollout.

Months after vaccine doses began arriving in the commonwealth, the majority of Pennsylvania seniors in long-term care facilities have yet to receive their second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, and health care providers across the state continue expressing concern about a lack of communication with the PA Department of Health.

"It has been three months since Pennsylvania began administering the vaccine to those in Phase 1-A," wrote the congressmen. "Despite the initial plan, the vaccine was not made available for those in long-term care settings until two weeks after it was first directed to Pennsylvania's hospitals and health systems. And today, the majority of those in long-term care have yet to receive their second dose. The vaccine rollout has failed to protect the most vulnerable during this pandemic.

"Furthermore, in hospitals statewide, administrators are concerned about the lack of communication from the Pennsylvania Department of Health regarding the vaccine supply."

Dr. Joyce continues to advocate for accelerated and equitable vaccine distribution across Pennsylvania. Last week, he sent a follow up letter to Governor Wolf once again citing concerns from community health leaders and encouraging the governor, Acting Secretary Alison Beam, and the administration's public health leaders to increase clear and consistent communication with local health systems and vaccine providers.

Source