Hello Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) Stakeholders,

I hope you are well, safe, and healthy as we start the new year.

I would like to share updates on the commonwealth’s COVID-19 vaccination process as well as provide tips on how you can prepare your organizations to receive the vaccine.

Vaccination Process

Last Friday, the Department of Health (DOH) released the fourth version of its COVID-19 Interim Vaccination Plan. The plan is both fluid and flexible to meet the latest federal guidance and recommendations. It will continue to receive updates. DOH released this version with a feedback form that invites public comment on the plan. This feedback will help inform Pennsylvania’s vaccination planning.

Pennsylvania continues to work its way through the initial phase of vaccine distribution – Phase 1A. This phase is focused on frontline, health-care personnel, emergency medical first responders, and long-term care facility residents. The time it will take to complete this phase is influenced by factors such as:

• The limited amount of available vaccine;
• Which vaccines are available;
• The storage capabilities of private/public partners; and
• Pennsylvania’s allocation from the federal government.

Many of DDAP’s stakeholders will be in the next phase of vaccinations, Phase 1B. While the above factors make it difficult to determine when or where that phase will start, there are several things you can do to prepare your organizations.

How to Prepare

Identify one nearby hospital or health-care system enrolled to provide the COVID-19 vaccine.

• Monday, the Department of Health launched its Pennsylvania Vaccine Provider Map. This map shows all entities that are enrolled to provide the vaccine. Using this map, you should identify a nearby location where your staff can get the vaccine at the appropriate time.
• The map identifies contact information for the specific location’s vaccine liaison. Connect with the individual to ensure that you have all necessary information to prepare your staff.

Prioritize Staff

• Due to vaccine availability, your entire staff might not be able to receive vaccine at the same time. Be prepared to prioritize those staff who are at the greatest risk for exposure.
• Encourage staff to visit their primary care physicians to review their medical history, ensuring that they are eligible for vaccination.

Prepare Necessary Documentation for Staff

• Staff will have to provide proof of occupation to receive the vaccine. This could include a state license or certification, letter from their employer on organization letterhead, facility identification/security badge, or other proof of occupation. Ensure that these documents are ready.

Stay Informed

• For the most up-to-date information on Pennsylvania’s vaccine distribution, I encourage each of you to regularly visit the Department of Health’s COVID-19 vaccine portion of their website as well as their news section, which provides updates on how much vaccine and where the vaccine has been received in Pennsylvania. Feel free to utilize the COVID-19 vaccine toolkit, which provides vaccine development background, facts, and graphics for your facilities and social media channels.

DDAP’s Commitment

DDAP’s commitment to each of you is to be transparent throughout the vaccine planning process. We are working closely with the Department of Health to provide information to you as quickly as possible, but I ask for your continued patience as the logistics are developed and finalized. Thank you for your continued patience as more information becomes available and for your continued partnership in ensuring that all members of Pennsylvania’s drug and alcohol system remain safe.

Questions can be forwarded to Derrick Pelletier.

Be well,

Jen Smith
DDAP Secretary