UPMC Lock Haven Frontline Workers Receive COVID-19 Vaccinations

LOCK HAVEN, PA — In a historic moment that many hope will mark the “beginning of the end” of the pandemic, UPMC on Monday vaccinated several front-line health care workers from UPMC Lock Haven with the first doses of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine It is anticipated that UPMC will be able to provide a vaccine to all its front-line health care workers who wish to receive it by the end of January.

“As a physician in the hospital, I’ve seen firsthand how this virus affects our patients, their family members, and our staff,” said Bharat Adroja, MD, UPMC Lock Haven. “I chose to get the vaccine to not only protect myself, but also my patients, my colleagues, and my family.”

In accordance with state and federal distribution guidelines for prioritizing who receives these still-limited vaccines, UPMC began vaccinating its health care workers after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued an emergency use authorization for the Pfizer product and CDC issued updated guidelines.

“Our staff are right on the frontlines providing care to our patients and have been able to overcome everything that’s been thrown their way,” said Ron Reynolds, president, UPMC Lock Haven and UPMC Muncy “I admire their courage and the example they’re setting. This vaccine provides hope at a perfect time. It’s been a long and challenging year and this vaccine helps us look forward to future holidays where we can be together again with family and friends.”

UPMC hospitals and long-term care facilities across Pennsylvania, New York, and Maryland are awaiting thousands of doses of both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines that are expected to arrive in the coming weeks. The vaccination program for UPMC’s health care workers is voluntary. While the general public will not be able to receive vaccinations in this initial phase, the shots will be made available to the communities UPMC serves as soon as possible.