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Wolf hints at possibility of more mass vaccination clinics, doses set aside for teachers

PITTSBURGH — Mass vaccination clinics have been held at both PNC Park and Heinz Field along with other spots like the Bethel Park Community Center. Gov. Tom Wolf hinted that there could be more such clinics on the horizon and a formal announcement is expected that will prioritize teachers.

“I think we’ll make the formal announcement tomorrow (Wednesday). But as you know, it’s already been leaked out,” Wolf said during a news conference.

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It’s a plan that’s gained steamed after the Johnson & Johnson vaccine received emergency use authorization from the FDA last weekend.

“Looking at the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, we really have an unusual opportunity with that since it’s a one dose vaccine,” Wolf said.

Sources tell Channel 11 the state will receive 94,000 doses of the new vaccine this week and they are expected to be set aside for educators. Wolf said the state’s joint task force met Tuesday afternoon to finalize the plans.

“There are some really important frontline workers who I think the task force believes on a bipartisan basis should be included in that, like teachers. And, not too far down the road, child care workers and police,” Wolf said.

The Pennsylvania Department of Health is also reporting there’s going to be a jump in the amount of doses shipped for both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines. Two weeks ago, the state got 183,000 first doses. There was only an increase of a few thousand doses each week.

Since then, that number has nearly doubled with the state receiving 336,000 first doses this week alone. It’s progress in what has been a problematic rollout in the state.

“In the short term, this does not solve the major problem facing vaccination efforts across the country,” said Health Department Senior Adviser Lindsey Mauldin. “There is still not enough vaccine doses available to meet the current demand.

Sources tell Channel 11 the National Guard will be used to help vaccinate teachers.