State To Text Residents Who Missed Second COVID-19 Shot

In an effort to boost the statewide COVID-19 vaccination rate, the Pennsylvania Department of Health said residents who missed their second dose will soon receive text message reminders to complete the immunization series.

Acting Secretary of Health Alison Beam said last week federal data shows that about 65 percent of the new virus cases in the region that includes Pennsylvania are caused by the delta variant.

While breakthrough cases have occurred in fully immunized people, Beam said unvaccinated patients represent 97 percent of the hospitalizations and 99 percent of the COVID-19 deaths.

“We want to remind everyone that getting the second dose is important to help protect against COVID and the delta variant,” she said.

About 255,000 residents will receive these text messages, including those who received their first dose more than 42 days ago. The department said it’s using phone numbers gathered from providers who administered doses to residents between Dec. 14, 2020 and May 14, 2021.

“While the recommendation is to get the second dose within 42 days for best results, we know that schedules can be hectic and people miss appointments,” Beam said. “The goal of these reminders is to make sure people know that it is never too late to get your second dose and to help individuals make a new second dose appointment at a provider convenient to them.”

About 63.2 percent of residents have been fully vaccinated, according state data. Maggi Barton, a department spokesperson, said Tuesday that 500 people remain hospitalized with the virus and eight deaths were reported on Monday. She said data shows a correlation between increased vaccination rates and lower COVID-19 case counts, so the department is focused on boosting immunizations to keep the virus’s spread under control.

“Pennsylvania has made tremendous strides in vaccinating individuals aged 12 years and older,” she said. “Additionally, data has shown that there is a correlation between increased vaccination rates and lower COVID-19 case counts. We cannot stress the importance of eligible Pennsylvanians getting vaccinated to stop the spread of COVID-19.”

Barton said the residents provided the information when registering for their initial vaccination appointment. The text message reminders are the same strategy health care providers use to contact patients, she added.