PREPARED TO VACCINATE
Health Department rolls out plans for COVID-19 vaccinations
WEST GOSHEN » A four-phased approach for countywide distribution of the COVID-19 vaccination, with a March goal to ensure that 80 percent of eligible individuals will have access, was unveiled by Jeanne Casner, director of the Chester County Health Department.
“We can all easily agree that 2020 was like no other year we have ever experienced … and it is quite a milestone to be able to share information about a vaccine nearly one year after we began tracking COVID-19 in the county,” Casner said. “We are well prepared and eager to vaccinate anyone who wishes to be vaccinated and we strongly encourage vaccination.
“Bottom line, as we receive the vaccines, we have a plan for administering those vaccines, whether they be via large-scale clinics or mobile/pop-up clinics throughout Chester County.”
Chester County Administrator Robert Kagel said that residents have shown much anxiety and a lot of interest.
Commissioners’ Chairwoman Marian Moskowitz noted that statistics show that Chester Countians have been adhering to the rules.
“There is a light at the end of the tunnel,” Moskowitz said.
Commissioner Josh Maxwell said that the health department has performed incredible work and will ensure that everyone geographically and financially has access to the vaccines.
Commissioner Michelle Kichline said that the vaccination process will be “as seamless as possible” so residents can “get on with life.”
Local plans began before the PA Health department’s plan was developed, and based upon the state plan, countywide changes have been made with further
guidance from federal experts and vaccine manufacturers.
“As you can imagine, vaccinating a county as large as Chester County is no small undertaking!” Casner said. “We have years of experience in planning for similar large events, including providing flu vaccine clinics through Chester County every year.”
The health department will coordinate and support others who are also providing the vaccine, such as hospitals, health centers, urgent care centers, out-patient practices and pharmacies, to name a few. The department will also administer on its own.
Since availability is now limited, distribution will be made in four phases: Phase 1A; Phase 2A;
Phase 3A; and Phase 2. (For a detailed list and to see who is included in which phase, see an additional sidebar article published here at the same time.)
“Beyond vaccine availability, the phases were established to also balance the prevention of more disease and deaths from COVID-19, and the preservation of societal functioning,” Casner said.
As more vaccine becomes available and more organizations begin vaccinating, the department anticipates that it will be able to vaccinate across multiple phases.
Casner warned that the vaccine will not be a cure and residents will still have to wear masks and take other precautions.
“It is another tool in our fight
and we must continue to practice the proven mitigation efforts,” she said.
Residents will learn about which phase is currently underway by visiting the health department website at chesco.org/ health. On the home page, the department will identify which phase is ongoing and which phase is being prepared for.
Communications will also include traditional media, social media and the website.
Organizations will also be enlisted to get out the word. As an example, mushroom farm workers and other agricultural organizations will be contacted directly through farms, the Amer
ican Mushroom Institute and the Agricultural Development Council. Senior centers and the Aging Services Department will assist with notifying older residents.
For those included in Phase 1A and 1B, an online survey gauges interest.
Appointments to receive a dose for everyone will need to be scheduled.
“We are asking your patience as we cannot predict how much vaccine the state will be sending and therefore can only open up appointments for which we have vaccine,” Casner said. “With each shipment of vaccine, more appointments will be opened up.”
Hospitals and health centers will host vaccination sites in the north, south, east, west and central regions of the county, with smaller mobile pop-up sites. As the program expands the number of sites, hours will be extended to include evenings and weekends.
Some others sites will include schools, banquet halls, senior centers, leased spaces and churches. As the weather improves, some will be drive-through sites.
“Ultimately, we will provide convenient vaccination sites throughout the county to everyone who live and
works in Chester County and wishes to get vaccinated,” Casner said.
The at-site process will entail review of registration information, including the screening questions, and if requested, proof will be submitted as member of a priority group. Those vaccinated will spend 15 minutes afterwards in an observation room to ensure of no reaction and an appointment for a second shot will be set.
The vaccine is free, no health insurance is required and a reminder notice of the second vaccination dose will likely be emailed or texted.
Casner said she would “love nothing better” than to be able to give exact dates.
“It truly depends on how quickly Chester County receives the vaccine doses,” she said. “The health department will continually apply for the maximum number of doses we can.”
County employees will present a recording of the presentation online at chesco.org and the health department Facebook site and transcripts will be available in both Spanish and English.
For more information, call 610-344-6225, go to chesco.org/health or likely, for the fastest answers to specific questions, email, CCHD@chesco.org.