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LOCK HAVEN -- The state Department of Health's vaccine availability map shows where vaccines can be distributed. But, most of the places have none or very few vaccines available and a very long waiting list for the vaccinations.
An updated map released Thursday indicates six blue dots showing various local healthcare facilities and pharmacies between Lock Haven and Williamsport that are a part of the COVID vaccine distribution program.
However, that does not mean that people can even get an appointment at those locations.
There are over 4,000 phase 1A Williamsport citizens on the waiting list to be vaccinated at River Valley Health and Dental Center in Williamsport, according to Karla Sexton, compliance officer. The Center, which is located on Hepburn Street, has been given a very limited supply from the state, vaccinating about 50 people per week, she said.
"Sometimes there are more, sometimes there are less," she said. "It is pretty inconsistent."
She said individuals in phase 1A can register for the vaccination as an individual or through an organization of the Center's website. They can also register via telephone, but the preferred method is via their website.
Information from the registration helps gather information on the need for the vaccine, she said.
"We are working with the Department of Health to make these vaccines available. Like most people (and places) there are more people who want the vaccine than there are vaccines available," she continued.
Vaccine availability is only for those who are eligible in the phase 1A group, including healthcare personnel, emergency service personnel and also including the expansion of those over 65 years old and those 16 to 65 with chronic conditions.
However, many other locations also do not have appointments available at this time, including Geisinger Jersey Shore Hospital; UPMC Williamsport; Weis Markets in Jersey Shore, Lock Haven, Mill Hall, Montoursville, South Williamsport and Williamsport; Rite Aid on Lycoming Creek Road and Southside Family Practice.
Mill Hall Pharmacy clerk, Brenda Quittlie, said the pharmacy is out of vaccines and has a waiting list a "mile long". She said the pharmacy is unsure of a timeline as to when they will be allocated more vaccines. They take information over the phone to be added to the waiting list, she said.
Other locations like Rite Aid on Third Street in Williamsport, have available appointments that can be scheduled via the Department of Health's website.
Siarah Y, pharmacy technician at the Third Street location, said she is unsure if the pharmacy has a waiting list but that the location is available and ready to provide vaccinations as supply allows. They started vaccinating some phase 1A individuals last week, she said.
Pharmacists cannot schedule the appointments themselves, she said. It is all done online.
To ensure eligibility, Rite Aid has their own website at www.riteaid.com/pharmacy/covidqualifier.
Additionally, the DOH also has their own eligibility test on their website.
Other locations on the map included the Rite Aid pharmacy on Fifth Street and Pleasant Valley Family Medicine in Flemington. The Express reached out to those organizations but did not hear back.
Many of the pharmacies and healthcare systems' phones are backed up and it will be difficult to reach a pharmacist as they are helping other patrons. Therefore, many will have online resources with COVID information about scheduling, eligibility and testing.
Many local Rite Aid and CVS pharmacies are having free self-swab COVID testing available by appointment only, for those who are both asymptomatic and symptomatic.