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LOCK HAVEN -- Access to the COVID-19 vaccine is at an all time high. Pharmacies big and small have stocked up on Moderna or Pfizer and large hospital organizations such as UPMC or Geisinger have offered vaccine clinics to continue to get vaccines into the arms of those who need or want them.
But, at least on a local level, getting tested to learn if you have the virus has become harder.
Due to a shortage in tests, many pharmacies in Clinton and Centre counties have no choice but to turn individuals away who may be uncertain if they have COVID-19 or not. Many have mild, cold like symptoms, that can often be attributed to the virus and don't require a hospital visit.
Representatives from Weis Pharmacies in Lock Haven and Bellefonte said getting rapid tests ordered has been difficult.
"They trickle in every so many days. They are in high demand as a lot of people want them," one person said.
In Bellefonte, the pharmacy supplied rapid tests that an individual could do from home. However, those have since dried up.
"They are on manufacture back order. I think when I came in last Thursday we had 15 and they we're gone by Saturday," they said.
According to RiteAide.com, the chains store in Bellefonte serves as a testing site but is by appointment only. Those who would like to schedule an appointment must visit their website to set up a time.
Smaller, family owned pharmacies have had even more difficulties.
Harry Bauman, of Mill Hall Pharmacy, said the business has never stocked tests.
"We do not have any and we can't get any. We can only buy in bulk with wholesale, with 30 at a time, and they are very expensive," Bauman explained. "If we buy 30 and only sell 10, we will lose money. Now if they sold for 10 at a time, we could have them."
Keller and Munro Drug Store in Lock Haven said an order for tests was made, but a time frame for delivery can't be determined.
Large health systems such as UPMC and Geisinger are offering COVID-19 tests, but you must meet certain requirements to get one.
"UPMC's local collection sites do have the supplies we need. Our sites are not open for walk-in testing and require a physician order and an appointment," Tyler Wagner, UPMC's public relations manager, said.
Wagner said if anyone is experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 or exposed to COVID-19 they should talk to their primary care provider for a proper referral.
"The time to receive results varies based on collection site and volume. Those without a UPMC provider will be contracted by the central COVID-19 team," he said. "Patients should check with their primary care provider or log into MyUPMC.com for results."
"Patients who have their samples taken should self-isolate until they receive results," he concluded.
Geisinger follows similar guidelines to that of UPMC.
"COVID-19 testing is available at several Geisinger locations, but appointments are needed for a COVID-19 test," Marc Stempka, media relations specialist at Geisinger, said. "This includes locations at community medicine offices, pediatric offices, ConvenientCare locations and dedicated COVID-19 testing locations."
Locally, Stempka said Geisinger has ConvenientCare locations in Bellefonte, Lock Haven, McElhattan along with community medicine and pediatric offices in Geisinger Medical Clinic Lock Haven. "Again, appointments are needed for COVID-19 testing," he stressed.
"A hospital emergency room is not an appropriate location to go for COVID-19 testing," Stempka said.
Stempka said anyone experience COVID-19 symptoms or has been around someone who tested positive for the virus, can schedule a test through myGeisinger or by calling 570-284-3657.