BHS slated to receive vaccine
Butler Health System has been notified to expect a distribution of the Pfizer vaccine, pending FDA emergency use authorization, according to a news release from the health system.
The system is anticipating about 975 doses each for Butler Memorial and Clarion hospitals.
A committee crucial for clearing a COVID-19 vaccine will hold an all-day meeting Thursday, and depending on how it votes, the nation's first doses could ship as early as Friday.
In the news release, spokeswoman Jana Panther said the physician-led BHS COVID-19 Steering Committee will make recommendations about the vaccines based on the available, legitimate vaccine information.
She said that health care workers likely will receive the first doses of the vaccine, which has been reported in the past as part of the state Department of Health's phased approach to releasing the vaccine.
“Front-line bedside caregivers will be given the highest priority for vaccination,” Panther said. “The vaccine will not be mandatory.”
According to the Department of Health's previous statements on distribution plans, the second phase will include at-risk populations and communal living situations. The general public is considered in the third phase of distribution.
Health Canada, the neighboring country's health regulator, on Wednesday approved Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration could possibly make its decision on emergency use later this week.
U.S. regulators Tuesday also released their first scientific evaluation of Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine and confirmed it offers strong protection with some data suggesting efficiency over 90%.
Gov. Tom Wolf confirmed Wednesday that he has tested positive for COVID-19, as the county's cases and deaths continue to rise.“During a routine test yesterday, I tested positive for COVID-19,” Wolf said in a statement Wednesday. “I have no symptoms and am feeling well.”Wolf said he planned to continue working from home while he and his wife, Frances, quarantine, in accordance with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Department of Health guidance.“As this virus rages, my positive test is a reminder that no one is immune from COVID, that following all precautions as I have done is not a guarantee, but it is what we know to be vital to stopping the spread of the disease,” Wolf said. “So, I ask all Pennsylvanians to wear a mask, stay home as much as possible, socially distance yourself from those not in your household and, most of all, take care of each other and stay safe.”Wolf's statement came the same day many anticipated he would impose more mitigation efforts, but that never came. Wolf on Monday said new mitigation tactics could be coming soon, but he also said the measures would not mirror those of the statewide shutdown in the spring.
Meanwhile, the county added 128 confirmed cases and five deaths related to COVID-19, according to Wednesday's report by the state health department.Since the beginning of the pandemic, 4,018 county residents have tested positive for COVID-19, and 104 residents have died from the virus.As hospitalization rates across the state continue to be a focal point, Butler Memorial reported treating 54 inpatients, all of whom have confirmed cases of COVID-19. Fourteen of those patients are being treated in intensive care units.Butler Memorial reported two deaths Tuesday and one on Wednesday to the Department of Health.Clarion Hospital has 20 COVID-19 inpatients, four of whom are being treated in its intensive care unit. Clarion reported one death Monday and two Tuesday to the Department of Health.The Associated Press contributed to this report.
