Manpower a critical need as state expands COVID-19 vaccinations

PITTSBURGH — The small Hilltop Pharmacy in Pittsburgh’s Allentown neighborhood is responsible for vaccinating nearly 3,000 healthcare workers. After the state’s announcement that vaccines would be expanded to include people 65 and older, owner Pat Lavella said regulations, availability and manpower are causing issues.

“Fumbled would be a good word. It could’ve been handled a lot better,” he said.

Lavella is working to get as many shots into arms as possible. He said with the state’s changes, the floodgates are now open at his little shop.

“We’ve got a waiting list. Could easily be 500 to 1,000,” he said.

Because his shop is so small, not one vaccine has been given there. Instead, there have been clinics around the community where people can get the shot. Lavella said his pharmacy could’ve helped more people if it weren’t for uncertainties about shipments and state protocols. Pennsylvania does not give pharmacy owners the ability to bring in qualified people to administer the vaccine. Only pharmacists and pharmacy students are allowed to do it.

“We have had dozens of calls from nurses, physicians, EMT’s, med students and dentists who have wanted to help,” Lavella said.

He said manpower has never been more critical.

“The 65+ population are the people being most devastated by this. They need the vaccine,” he said.

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Cox Media Group