COVID-19 Updates: Vaccines are Here and You Can Get One.
Covid-19 Updates | U.S. Stats:
- 16.5% total or 56.1 Million U.S. Population has been Vaccinated.
- 3 Vaccines available: Pfizer, Moderna, Johnson and Johnson
- Pfizer and Moderna vaccines require two doses to be protected against the virus.
- Johnson & Johnson vaccine: one dose only.
How do we reduce the spread of Covid-19 and protect ourselves from the virus?
Researchers say that 70% to 85% of the country needs immunity to stop the spread of Covid-19, leading to an increased push for vaccinations. They have stated that those who have already been afflicted with Coronavirus may have some immunity to the disease moving forward but there is still much unknown about the natural immunity. Researchers say getting the vaccine is still the best defense against Covid-19, even if you already had the virus.
Despite the global and country’s efforts in pushing for the vaccine, each state will have its own procedures for both the roll out of the vaccine and who will be eligible to receive it. The state also can enforce restrictions on opening restaurants, commercial business, and schools. President Biden urges states to open vaccine eligibility to anyone in the United States 16 and older by May 1.
Pennsylvania Covid-19 Updates
Starting April 19, every adult in Pennsylvania will be eligible for COVID-19 vaccines. The first vaccine distributions were designated for emergency responders, grocery workers and at risk. But soon, everyone will be able to get vaccinated as Govenor Tom Wolf unvailed his roll-out plan. The Roll-out plan is as followed.
The First Phase, was vaccinating those at most risk on March 31, vaccines were made available for law enforcement, firefighters, Other first responders, grocery workers, and those in the food industry.
The Second Phase, starts April 5, and contains all those in congregation settings. For instance, those in nursing homes, long term care facilitiies, and those receiving community-based services. Other people included are postal workers, educational staff, clergy and other religious support personnel, public transit workers, and indiviuals caring for children and adults.
The Third Phase, starting April 12, covers essential workers in transportation, food service, housing construction, finace personnel, legal services personnel, federal, state, country, and local government employees. Finally, media, public saftey, and public health workers.
Finally, the last phase, rolling out April 19, will cover anyone else, 16 and older, not covered previously in the the other vaccine distribution dates.
Secretatry Alison Beam said the vaccinate rate is increasing quickly, “averaging about 83,000 vaccinations a day.”
President Joe Biden wants states to make all adults eligible to be vaccinated by May 1. President Biden is hoping that approximately 90% of adults will be vaccinated by the end of April.
Pennsylvania moved up to 12th in the nation for administering first doses of the COVID vaccine.
Covid-19 Updates stats for Pennsylvania Vaccines.
- First Philadelphia Covid-19 Vaccine administered on December 16, 2020
- 4,956,257 vaccines administered
- 533,099 have received first dose of either Pfizer or Moderna.
- Full Vaccinated 278,800
- 1.76 million Pennsylvanians fully vaccinated
- 30.6% of Pennsylvanians have received at least one dose
With vaccines becoming increasingly available and distributed, the State is reminding everyone to #VaxUpPhilly, and #MaskUpPHL.
Where can I get vaccinated?
Use this tool, to verify that you are eligible and get directed to a vaccination site near you. If you are unable to use the tool on the website, you can call 311 or (215) 685-5488 or email covid@phila.gov.
PHILLY RESIDENTS: The city has its own vaccination plan. You can check here to find updates on when you can receive your vaccine.
PA Covid-19 Updates: Social Distancing, Slow Opening, and other Restrictions
Regarding, social distancing and reduced slow openings, Pennsylvania will be opening up and reducing the six feet mandate to three feet. It will also be increasing school openings. Although, Phladelphia is remaining cautious and maintaining the original mandate at the current time.
