Resolution would increase access to COVID-19 vaccine

A resolution recently introduced in the state House of Representatives seeks to increase the state’s allocation of COVID-19 vaccine doses. The resolution is directed at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

“More than a year into this pandemic, and while absorbing the loss of more than 25,000 of our friends, family, and neighbors to the disease, Pennsylvanians are finally seeing a light at the end of the tunnel,” state Rep. Joe Ciresi (D-Montgomery), who introduced the resolution, said. “Because of vaccinations, many are envisioning a return to a sense of normalcy. But to truly get there, we need the federal government to supply sufficient doses of the available vaccines.”

Currently, only residents in Phase 1A are eligible for the vaccine. This group includes people ages 16 through 64 with high-risk conditions, people older than 65, people living in long-term care facilities, and healthcare workers.

“Our commitment to evidence-based, life-saving policies should be recognized, and with more vaccines, we can get to the finish line and provide our citizens with relief from this prolonged ordeal,” Ciresi said.

A total of 1.7 million Pennsylvanians were fully vaccinated on Monday, with nearly 5 million doses of vaccine already administered.

The resolution will be assigned to a House committee.