COVID-19 vaccine registry in Pa. is critical

As I talk with constituents in my district, it is obvious that we need a better and more streamlined COVID-19 vaccine registration and notification process.

People are frustrated with registering online for the vaccine, and rightfully so.

I have joined my colleagues in co-sponsoring H.B. 633, legislation that would direct the Pennsylvania Department of Health to create a statewide database of people who are eligible and who want the vaccine. The registry would allow them to schedule getting the vaccine for themselves, their spouses and their family members.

The legislation, co-authored by state Reps. Ryan Bizzarro, D-Erie, and Pam Snyder, D-Greene/Fayette/Washington, would direct the department to establish and maintain the registry and provide access to providers who register to access the registry.

Providers would need to register to receive vaccine supplies for distribution and people who register through the state-managed registry would be given priority status.

Residents would only need to register one time and would be alerted of a vaccination appointment.

The bill awaits action by the House Health Committee.

We need to make sure our most vulnerable populations receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

In addition to supporting the vaccine registry, I have signed on to a letter with over 30 of my colleagues that would direct the state Health Department to change the Phase 1A category to include teachers and school personnel; corrections officers and staff; and limit smokers to only people 65 and older.

It is troubling that the state Health Department would prioritize young smokers in the same classification as senior citizens and other high-risk constituents.

We all know there is a high demand for the vaccine, and I am concerned because Pennsylvania has one of the highest populations of seniors 65 and older in the country and I believe they should be our priority with vaccine distribution.

Also, adding young smokers to Phase 1A is a disservice to our teachers, school personnel, corrections officers and staff who must wait until Phase 1B.

I do not believe Pennsylvania is effectively communicating with our health care institutions about the need to recognize the number of vaccines needed or when they will arrive. We have a disconnect of information between the state, hospitals and community health clinics that needs to be resolved.

We are all frustrated and disappointed with the vaccine rollout process. Our legislature needs to act accordingly to make the situation right and direct the state Health Department to better communicate with the public and efficiently distribute the vaccine.

I am committed to making my voice heard and improving the system so that my constituents can receive this lifesaving medicine more quickly and efficiently.