Washington, DC – During today’s Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations hearing entitled “No Time to Lose: Solutions to Increase COVID-19 Vaccinations in the States,” Congressman John Joyce, M.D. (PA-13) examined the distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine in Pennsylvania and across the country.
Currently ranked 37th among all states in doses administered as a percentage of the population, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is far behind the national average for distribution. Eligible Pennsylvanians, particularly those residing in rural communities, lack access to the vaccine – as well as clear communication and guidelines from the Wolf Administration’s health officials.
At the hearing, Dr. Joyce asked Dr. Clay Marsh, the COVID-19/Coronavirus Czar of West Virginia, to elaborate on his state’s success in distributing the vaccine across rural and underserved communities. In his response, Dr. Marsh credited the importance of clear communication and a decisive plan for West Virginia’s distribution success. Drs. Joyce and Marsh also discussed the need to have adequate health care workers to facilitate vaccine distribution, as well as opportunities to expand this vital workforce.
Additionally, Dr. Joyce asked each of the witnesses whether they consider the COVID-19 vaccine to be the “light at the end of the tunnel.” Each offered a resounding yes.
Background:
Last week, Dr. Joyce sent a letter to Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf asking for a clear plan and strategy for distributing the COVID-19 vaccine across the commonwealth, including in rural communities, as well as communicating with vulnerable Pennsylvanians. He has not yet received a response from the Wolf Administration.
