On Friday, March 26, 2021, the PA COVID-19 Vaccine Task Force announced the voluntary single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine to Pre-K to 12 educators and school staff, which is ahead of schedule and nearly complete. As of March 26th, 104,331 teachers, school staff, and contractors from across the state have received the J&J vaccine through this special initiative. The departments of Education (PDE) and Health (PDE) and the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) are collaborating with Intermediate Units (IUs), the Pennsylvania National Guard, and AMI Expeditionary Healthcare to coordinate and operate vaccine clinics for Pre-K to 12 education personnel and support staff. Thirteen regional IU clinics will operate through Tuesday, March 30th.
Philadelphia operates its own vaccine distribution. The special initiative to vaccinate teachers and school staff is separate from Pennsylvania’s ongoing Phase 1A vaccine rollout, which continues at an accelerated pace.