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State using local county’s success as model for getting COVID-19 vaccine to seniors

HARRISBURG, Pa. — The state is looking at the success local counties had in vaccinating seniors as an example of how to get more doses into the arms of more people.

Officials said Butler County’s Agency on Aging has a 0% “no show rate,” meaning no one has missed their vaccine appointment.

“We all know here in Pennsylvania, we need to do better,” said Gov. Tom Wolf.

Wolf said the state still is not getting the vaccine supply it needs and he knows people are getting frustrated over the distribution process. State officials are now looking at local agencies to coordinate with health care providers.

Pennsylvania Department of Aging Secretary Robert Torres praised the efforts in Butler County.

“This is labor-intensive work. This is person-to-person work so it requires patience on everyone’s part,” Torres said.

Torres said his office is using the Butler agency’s success along with the success of the Southwestern Pennsylvania Area Agency on Aging as examples of how counties can move forward. He said seniors who are PACE card holders can call for help getting an appointment. The Pennsylvania Link to Aging and Disability Resource Center is also taking calls.

PACE card holders: 1-800-225-7223

PA Link to Aging and Disability Resources: 1-800-753-8827