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June 22, 2022
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!
New Headlines
CDC Recommends COVID-19 Vaccines for Young Children
On Saturday, June 18th, the CDC issued the recommendation that all children 6 months through 5 years of age should receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Moderna's two-shot vaccine, spaced four weeks apart, is approved for children ages 6 months through 5 years. Pfizer-BioNTech's three-shot vaccine is approved for children ages 6 months through 4 years.
This expands eligibility for vaccination to nearly 20 million additional children, including those who have already been infected with COVID-19. Parents should be able to start getting young children immunized as soon as this week. Click here to view the CDC's interim COVID-19 immunization schedule for 6 months of age and older.
Read the full CDC media statement ►
Pennsylvania Vaccine Providers are Ready to Vaccinate Young Children
The Pennsylvania Department of Health says vaccine providers across the Commonwealth are prepared to begin providing COVID-19 vaccinations for children 6 months and older beginning this week. Acting Health Secretary and Physician General Dr. Denise Johnson said, "The approval of the vaccines for young children across the state and the nation is welcome news for many parents who have been waiting for the opportunity to provide valuable protection for their children from COVID-19." Pediatricians and primary care physicians will have the vaccine available for administration as early as June 21.
PA Department of Health Continues to Offer Free COVID-19 Testing
The Department of Health is offering free COVID-19 testing to the public at four locations across the state. Testing sites are open to anyone who feels they need a test. Registration will be completed on-site. Below are the current testing locations:
- Berks County - Tuesday-Saturday - Direct Link Technologies in Reading, PA
- Blair County - Monday-Friday - Blair County CBTs in Altoona
- Clinton County - Tuesday-Saturday - Parsons Union Building in Lock Haven, PA
- Erie County - Monday-Friday - Edinboro University in Edinboro, PA
In addition, Pennsylvanians can find testing sites in their area on the Pennsylvania COVID-19 Viral Testing Sites locator map.
Pennsylvania's COVID-19 Vaccine Update
Pennsylvania is currently administering the Comirnaty (Pfizer) vaccine, the Spikevax (Moderna) vaccine and the Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) COVID-19 vaccine. Vaccination numbers for Pennsylvania do not include Philadelphia, which is its own jurisdiction, or federal facilities, which are working directly with the federal government.
According to the PA Department of Health, as of June 22nd, 22,364,815 total doses have been administered, including 3,989,100 first booster doses since August 13, 2021; 610,257 second booster doses since March 29, 2022, and 666,701 pediatric doses (aged 5-11) since November 2, 2021.
There are 8,425,556 fully vaccinated people in Pennsylvania.
Facts on Vax Resources Now Available
Osteopathic physicians and their practice teams play a key role in preventing COVID-19 infections among patients and communities. Check out the Facts on Vax website for a variety of educational materials, tools and resources that will help you discuss the importance of COVID-19 prevention with your patients.
Facts on Vax is a partnership of osteopathic organizations committee to lowering the rates of COVID-19 through prevention - POMA is a member of the coalition. We are collaborating in partnership to prepare osteopathic physicians to discuss the importance of COVID-19 prevention, including vaccinations, with patients.
Find resources and learn more ►
PA Health Alert Network (PA HAN) - Health Alerts, Advisories and Updates
Previously Published but Relevant Headlines
PA DOH Video Resource About COVID Vaccine Safety
The Pennsylvania Department of Health Acting Physician General Dr. Denise Johnson and the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Director of the Vaccine Education Center and Professor of Pediatrics Dr. Paul Offit have developed a video resource for Pennsylvanians to answer questions about COVID vaccine safety. The video includes a review of the vaccine approval process through the FDA, including the Emergency Use Authorization. They also discuss information on the increasing scientific data on the safety of vaccines for children and pregnant women and the effectiveness of the vaccine against variants, with a highlighted focus on effectiveness against the delta variant.
Dr. Johnson said "With so much information and misinformation out there, access to reliable and trusted sources can help you make the best decision for you and your family... It's essential that we continue to inform and educate Pennsylvanians about the COVID-19 vaccines, because good information leads to good decisions."
Anyone can access and share this video resource on Facebook or PAcast.
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].
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