Pennsylvanians are getting their first doses of the new COVID-19 vaccine today. Tens of thousands more are expected this week. And health care workers in the Lehigh Valley will be among the first in line.
The state’s top health official says it’s a turning point in the fight against the viruss
"Today is just a great day. Where we start immunizing people - just a start - where we start immunizing people against this virus," said Pennsylvania Health Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine.
Pennsylvania should get 97,500 Pfizer vaccines this week, Levine said, and they’re going out to 87 sites that can safely store them at icy cold temperatures.
"It’s going to be going to many hospitals throughout the state that have the ability to be able to do the ultra-cold chain and can immunize people very, very efficiently."
A spokesman from St. Luke’s University Health System says they’re expecting 5,000 doses - as early as tomorrow. Lehigh Valley Health Network is also on the list - the system part of Pfizer’s clinical trial in September.
The very first vaccines will go to front-line health care workers, EMS responders and nursing home residents.
