Woman with autoimmune disease says she falls under Phase 1A, but can’t find dose of COVID-19 vaccine

PITTSBURGH — A local woman living with an autoimmune disease said despite falling into the Phase 1A vaccine category, she can’t find a dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

“There has to be a better way,” Jen Valorie said. “Honestly, I’ve been trying since 8 a.m., all day long.”

Valorie is a paramedic, but she’s also living with lupus, an autoimmune disease that attacks your organs.

“It’s scary. It’s really, really scary,” she said.

She’s still waiting for her vaccine and her lupus continues to flare up.

“Even if I get a simple cold, my colds last longer,” Valorie said.

She isn’t working due to COVID-19 concerns but her main concern is protecting her kids. Her son has autism and down syndrome and her daughter has severe asthma.

The director of the Allegheny County Health Department said the agency is prioritizing who gets the vaccine based on evidence. In Allegheny County, 91% of deaths and 65% of hospitalizations have been among those 65 and older.

“We know they’re the most at-risk for adverse outcomes,” said Dr. Debra Bogen during a news conference Wednesday.

Valorie said this is becoming a matter of life and death. She’s considering driving her parents to Ohio since they haven’t been able to get vaccinated yet either.

“There’s a lot of people who qualify for 1A who will either get COVID-19 or just worry. Worry themselves sick,” she said.

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