WEST CHESTER — Working in tandem with state and federal guidance, Chester County health officials are planning to begin a schedule of phase 1 vaccinations by the end of December. Initial Phase 1 groups include EMS providers, all types of healthcare personnel, the elderly and persons with high risk medical conditions.
Chester County Health Department staff have been meeting with local healthcare providers and an advisory committee that includes representatives from human services organizations, education providers, emergency management, vulnerable populations, faith-based organizations, correctional facilities, business sectors and nonprofits. In addition, staff within the Health Department are facilitating a COVID-19 vaccine administration network to enhance vaccine access throughout Chester County. This network includes private healthcare providers, pharmacies, clinics, hospitals, community service organizations, and mass vaccination events.
Jeanne Casner, Director of the Chester County Health Department said, “Our goal is for everyone to be vaccinated against COVID-19 as soon as enough quantities of the vaccine are available, and our plans will make this happen. Initial availability of the vaccine will be limited, and so will be distributed in a phased approach beginning as early as next week for some phase 1 individuals.”
As with all other crucial communication about COVID-19, the Chester County Health Department has published a comprehensive vaccination page which can be found at www.chesco.org/coronavirus.
The vaccine web page includes details of the current approved vaccines, vaccine availability, safety and potential side effects, as well as a full list of phase 1 groups. As more vaccines become available, the web page will provide regularly updated information on vaccination groups, and vaccination schedules and locations.
“After more than nine months of living with this pandemic, we are experiencing an historical moment with the development of a COVID-19 vaccine. But we must remember that the COVID-19 vaccine will not be the cure for the virus,” adds Jeanne Casner.
“The vaccine will be another tool in our fight against COVID-19, and we must continue to think of, and care for others by wearing a mask, remaining six-feet apart, and washing our hands thoroughly and often.”
