April 14, 2021

Dear Colleagues,

POMA continues to monitor the rapidly changing information surrounding the spread of COVID-19.

In an effort to provide accurate and helpful information to POMA members, we have gathered some of the resources we are finding to be most useful and accurate at this time. We hope this helps you in staying on top of the latest developments in the spread of the disease and in helping your patients.

Stay safe and healthy!


COVID_Webpage


New Headlines

Pennsylvania DOH Notifies COVID-19 Vaccine Providers to Pause Johnson & Johnson Vaccinations

On April 13, 2021, the Pennsylvania Department of Health notified all COVID-19 vaccine providers to pause administering doses of the Johnson & Johnson (Janssen) vaccine until at least April 20 following the recommendation out of an abundance of caution in a joint release from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The pause in administering these vaccines is done as a precaution until the CDC and FDA have time to review six incidents of rare blood clots that occurred within two weeks of receiving Johnson & Johnson/Janssen vaccines.

Read more >> 


All Adults in Pennsylvania are Eligible to Schedule COVID-19 Vaccination Appointments

As of Tuesday, April 14, 2021, all Pennsylvania adults are now eligible to schedule an appointment for the COVID-19 vaccine.

To date, Pennsylvania providers have administered more than 6 million vaccines and the state is ranked among the top 20 states for first-dose vaccinations. More than 2.4 million Pennsylvanians are fully vaccinated.

Pennsylvanians can find providers on the COVID-19 Vaccine Provider Map here


Statewide Vaccination Tour Launched to Reach Underserved Communities

On Monday, April 12, 2021, state health officials and community leaders announced they're launching a statewide tour to educate underserved communities about the COVID-19 vaccine.

A total of 120 mobile vaccination events will take place across the commonwealth in the coming months. There will be informational materials in Spanish and other languages aimed at educating people about the vaccine and assuaging fears many have about receiving the vaccine.

Learn more >>


Pennsylvania's COVID-19 Vaccine Update

Pennsylvania is currently administering the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine and the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine with the Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) COVID-19 vaccine paused until at least April 20, 2021 for review by the CDC and FDA. Vaccination numbers for Pennsylvania do not include Philadelphia, which is its own jurisdiction, or federal facilities, which are working directly with the federal government.

This week, a total of 7,180,370 doses will have been allocated through April 17.

As of April 13, a total of 6,503,362 doses will have been administered:

  • First/single doses: 4,290,555
  • Second doses: 2,212,807

POMA Members Can Receive PPE Discounts

POMA is excited to announce our new partnership with ActionPPE.org to help our members acquire proper PPE supplies.  Launched in South Carolina, ActionPPE has supplied over 2.6 million units of PPE to members of over 20 state medical organizations through a reputable and certified supplier.  By pooling resources, POMA members receive a 5% discount on PPE orders when they use the discount code POMA-SAVE5. Product details and certificates for masks, gowns, gloves, face shields, etc. are provided on the site with most items in-stock and shipping directly to your office.


 PA Health Alert Network (PA HAN) - Health Alerts, Advisories and Updates


 Previously Published but Relevant Headlines

COVID-19 Vaccine Provider Map

The Pennsylvania Department of Health has launched a provider map along with an eligibility survey on its website to help those eligible, including health care workers not affiliated with a hospital, find a location to schedule a vaccine appointment.

Users can search by location, type in an address or zip code and filter by facility type.


Updated Pennsylvania Coronavirus Links: Press Releases, State Lab Cases, Graphics, Resources


Briefings and Updates from Pa. Governor Wolf and the Department of Health


Resources from the CDC

The CDC has provided guidance and resources for healthcare providers, healthcare facilities, laboratories, as well as information for schools and childcare, businesses and employers, community and faith-based organizations, and the general public. Visit the CDC COVID-19 webpage for more information.


POMA will continue monitoring COVID-19 and provide updates and recommendations from PA-DOH, the CDC, the WHO and local health agencies. POMA's COVID-19 webpage and social media channels will be updated as information is shared from these organizations.

If you have any comments or questions for POMA, please email us at [email protected]

Pennsylvania Osteopathic Medical Association | 1330 Eisenhower Boulevard, Harrisburg, PA 17111
(717) 939-9318 | www.poma.org