The Pennsylvania Health Department says their effort to vaccinate educators and child care workers is moving ahead of schedule.
Governor Tom Wolf says 84,000 people in the state received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine as part of the initiative and the vast majority of educators and support staff who want to get the shot will have one by the end of the month.
"Thank you to everyone who has contributed to our efforts to get school staff vaccinated - and for making it happen so quickly," said Gov. Wolf. "Most importantly, vaccinating teachers will help students to get back in the classroom faster, ease the burden on parents and benefit entire communities."
By the end of the weekend, almost 95,000 doses will be administered.
"This special vaccination initiative is moving incredibly swiftly thanks to the tremendous work of the intermediate units, school districts, Pennsylvania National Guard, and state agencies," said Gov. Wolf. "This has been an incredibly challenging year, and the success of these vaccine clinics is another reminder that Pennsylvanians are rising to the challenge."
Once that initiative is finished, part of the state's Johnson & Johnson supply will go to other essential workers like first responders and grocery store workers.
