As Pennsylvania strives to return more students to their classrooms for in-person instruction, teachers are now eligible to receive COVID-19 vaccinations under a newly announced expansion of the Commonwealth’s immunization plan, according to Senator Elder Vogel.
Under today’s (March 3) announcement, teachers will have their own separate vaccination program and will not be included in Class 1A (senior citizens and those with pre-existing medical conditions). Teachers will not receive priority status nor will they receive vaccinations ahead of those in Class 1A.
“By vaccinating teachers, Pennsylvania can expedite the reopening of schools all across the state,” Senator Vogel said. “This does not reduce our commitment to the vaccination and well-being of senior citizens and those with serious medical conditions. Instead, it builds on the recent approval and roll out of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine to expedite the safe reopening of schools and to ensure that our students receive the quality education they deserve.”
Under the new plan, teachers will only be eligible to receive the Johnson & Johnson vaccine at a designated location. They will not be eligible to receive it from a provider currently distributing the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines.
Individuals in Class 1A will continue to be prioritized for Pfizer and Moderna vaccines under a revised distribution plan that puts an emphasis on population, population over 65, infection rate, and COVID death rate.
Senator Vogel will discuss the state’s COVID-19 vaccination efforts and answer questions regarding the vaccine during a virtual town hall meeting set for 6 p.m., Tuesday, March 9.
Acting Secretary of Health Alison Beam and Norm Mitry, President of Heritage Valley Health System, will be special guests during the conversation to answer questions related to the COVID-19 vaccine.
Community residents are encouraged to visit https://redesign.senatoreldervogel.com/access-live to register to receive a phone call or to live stream the event.
The virtual town hall format allows community residents to participate in the discussion without the need to travel throughout the region. Participants can ask questions or just listen to the discussion from the comfort of their own home.
CONTACT: Heather Burke hburke@pasen.gov