COVID-19 vaccination continues at UPMC, and we are closely following guidance set by state officials. Here’s what you need to know: 

• The Pennsylvania Department of Health is expanding Phase 1a COVID-19 vaccination efforts to include anyone age 65 and older and those ages 16 to 64 with serious medical conditions that increase their risk for illness. You can learn more about vaccine distribution phases on the Pennsylvania Department of Health website.
• As a part of our Phase 1a, more than 41,000 UPMC frontline health care employees have received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, and about 9,000 have received their second dose.
• We also have given the first dose of the vaccine to more than 1,300 UPMC Senior Communities residents and staff and about 2,300 EMS and non-UPMC frontline health care workers throughout the communities we serve.
• At this time, UPMC hospitals, doctors’ offices, and clinics cannot offer the COVID-19 vaccine, and there is no waiting list for scheduling vaccination. UPMC is working to offer COVID-19 vaccines throughout our communities, but details will not be finalized until the Pennsylvania Department of Health assigns and distributes vaccines to us.
• For more updates and the latest information about vaccine availability or next steps, please visit UPMC.com/COVIDVaccine.
• You can also use our patient portal, MyUPMC, to help manage your care, and we encourage you to create an account if you do not already have one.

UPMC doctors will host a Tele-Town Hall to share up-to-date information on the state of COVID-19 and vaccination. Who is eligible for vaccination and when? How do the vaccines differ? What are the common side effects? And when will life return to normal? Dial into the event at 5 p.m. Jan. 21 to learn more.

The COVID-19 vaccines developed by Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna share several similarities, including reported safety and effectiveness. But they aren’t completely the same.

UPMC is using monoclonal antibodies as a treatment for COVID-19. Learn more about how this treatment works and who is a candidate.

Many cancer patients may have questions about the effectiveness and side effects of COVID-19 vaccines. Stanley Marks, MD, chairman, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, said new COVID-19 vaccines are safe for those living with cancer.

• UPMC Information on COVID-19
• Centers for Disease Control Coronavirus Update
• World Health Organization
• Pennsylvania Department of Health