UPMC is partnering with community groups and small businesses to host COVID-19 vaccine clinics in neighborhoods throughout Allegheny County. The health system is working with a hair salon, several churches, school districts and a farmers market to bring COVID-19 vaccines to people. Walk-ups will be accepted, but registration via UPMC’s website is encouraged.
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Finley Martin, 14, gets a shot of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine at the First Baptist Church of Pasadena Friday, May 14, 2021, in Pasadena, Calif. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
Kids as young as 12 years old can now receive Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine. But disparities that were seen in vaccine distribution to adults are likely to be even more pervasive among children.
Structural barriers to health care, like lack of access to technology and transportation, has made getting vaccinated harder for many Black and brown Americans, as well as those who are impoverished.
American children are both moreracially diverse, and more likely to be living in poverty, compared to the adult population. Dr. Tracey Conti of the Pittsburgh-based Black Equity Coalition said health systems must intentionally ensure children have access to the vaccine.
For most decisions in life, it s smart to be thoughtful clever, even, to sit and stir, mull things over, or really take time to plan and ponder.
But the continuing spread of COVID-19 has put the decision to get vaccinated on a clock, and local and national leaders say it s running out.
This past week President Joe Biden announced his goal to at least partially vaccinate 70% of U.S. adults by July 4. With more than 56% of the population already there, reeling in another 14% over two months seems a simple task. However, a large amount of vaccine hesitation is making things difficult, and Beaver County is at its center.
Penguins, UPMC join effort to educate community about COVID-19 vaccine WPXI.com News Staff, Alyssa Raymond
In an effort to educate the community about the COVID-19 vaccine, the Pennsylvania Department of Health, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and the Pittsburgh Penguins have teamed up.
The Pens are the first professional sports team to join the “PA Unites Against COVID” campaign, which was started in September 2020 to provide Pennsylvanians with tools and resources to help become educated about and fight COVID-19.
“PA Unites Against COVID” materials will be displayed at PPG Paints Arena for the Penguins’ home games.
The campaign has a special focus on marginalized communities.