PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Health Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine is hopeful that the pace of COVID-19 vaccine distribution in Pennsylvania is speeding up.
The key metrics in the state are holding steady or slightly declining, but she said new cases are typically lower earlier in the week. Levine is still concerned about an increase in new cases in the state and across the country, likely from holiday travel and gatherings.
Levine has said the initial rollout of the vaccine was challenging since it came around the holidays, but she thinks the pace picked up last week.
"We want to continue that and improve upon that," she said. "We have plans this week to … continue to improve the pace of vaccinations."
It's been a challenge for hospitals and health systems as well, as they don't get much warning on when the vaccine will arrive. And, the number of doses promised doesn't always match the number of doses that actually ship.
But Levine calls it a "misconception" that thousands of doses of vaccine are just "sitting around."
She said they are also having discussions about moving to Phase 1b, which includes everyone over the age of 75 and more front-line and essential personnel, like police and postal works. She did not get more specific on a timeline other than "soon."
