The Allegheny County Health Department is expanding the scope of those eligible for COVID-19 vaccinations at their sites.
Though multiple groups of people are eligible under Phase 1A of Pennsylvania's vaccine rollout, the ACHD was only vaccinating those 65 and older at their sites in Monroeville and Castle Shannon.
In addition to vaccinating adults age 65 and older, County Health Director Dr. Debra Bogen says the department will now vaccinate people ages 50-64 with Phase 1A conditions starting Friday, March 19.
“We remain committed in our vaccination approach to serve the most at risk in our county first,” said Bogen. “By the end of the week, at least 50% of those county residents who are 65 years of age and older will have received at least one vaccine. Although we still have work to do serving this population, these data tell us we need to expand our eligibility requirements for vaccination.”
On Tuesday, the county announced that it would be opening three additional vaccination sites, bringing the total number of sites operated by the health department to five.
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While more vaccination sites are opening, Bogen says she is concerned about the rise UK variant virus cases in the country.
"The variants spread more easily, so one case one case can spread to a greater number of their close contacts, leading to a greater number of cases," she explained.
Appointments for vaccination through the health department can be made on their website.