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Westmoreland Co. calls for major changes in state’s vaccine rollout plan

GREENSBURG — State and local lawmakers from southwestern Pennsylvania came together on Monday to voice their concerns and frustrations over the pace of COVID-19 vaccine distribution in their communities.

“Bottom line, Pennsylvania’s vaccine rollout has been unacceptable,” said Rep. Ryan Warner, who represents parts of Westmoreland and Fayette counties.

Westmoreland County leaders met with state lawmakers for two hours, behind closed doors, to organize a plan to get the attention of the state health department.

“The lack of communication is so significant, they’re not even sure the day before how many vaccines they’re supposed to get. It makes it extremely difficult for well-intended medical providers and citizens to be able to have a balanced rollout,” said Rep. Eric Nelson, another Westmoreland County representative.

As of Monday, Westmoreland County has vaccinated 35,804 people, or about 10% of the population.

Despite pleas from local officials for more vaccines, supplies remain low.

Because of these challenges, state and local leaders want the state to create a centralized vaccine database.

“Westmoreland is 12th in total deaths, 11th in total cases, 11th in total population and 9th in 65 or older but we find ourselves at 55 or 57th depending on how you do the math.

“The state is the one that would ease the frustration, we have a large population... that would make our providers and hospital system, would make life a lot easier if the state would step up and create its own centralized data base system,” said Sean Kertes, Westmoreland County Commissioner.

“I don’t know what the pushback is on a centralized system, I’m advocating for it. I know the leaders are in this county are advocating for it.”

Channel 11 first reported on the county’s supply disparities two weeks ago.

The Department of Health said it recognized the shortfall and intended on making up the deficit, but county commissioners say that’s yet to happen.

“Acting secretary Beam responded that her office would look into it and get back to us as soon as they had more information, they’ve acknowledged receipt and that’s as far as we’ve gotten so far,” said Doug Chew, Westmoreland County Commissioner.