Western PA Chief Medical Officers Endorse COVID Vaccines

Over the past several months, we have entered an important phase of the COVID 19 pandemic with the arrival of vaccines that are highly effective at preventing the worst effects of the virus.

Two of these vaccines – from Pfizer-BioNTec and Moderna – have been available since mid-December. This past week, a third vaccine manufactured by Johnson & Johnson was authorized by the US Food and Drug Administration. The advantage with the Johnson and Johnson product is that it is a single dose vaccination, instead of the two shots currently needed with the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines.

All three of these vaccines provide great protection against severe illness and death caused by COVID-19. Rather than wonder about the differences between the vaccines, we recommend that you accept whichever of the three vaccines becomes available soonest. If you have questions about the vaccines, please talk with your doctor or care provider, or visit the CDC’s web site (www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19).

Vaccination is the quickest path back to normal for our communities and we greatly appreciate those who have chosen to be vaccinated in an effort to keep themselves and their families and neighbors safe. For those who are waiting to receive the vaccine, we appreciate your patience. As our supply of vaccine continues to increase, we look forward to providing it to you as soon as possible.

Despite improvements in the COVID 19 statistics – the number of those infected and with serious illness are lowering – we remind all that we have to continue to take common-sense precautions against COVID-19. Even if you have already received a vaccine, please wear masks in public settings, wash hands, practice distancing, and continue to be extra-cautious around vulnerable populations, including the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions.

Together we can truly make a difference in stemming the tide of this pandemic, and we thank you for your cooperation and commitment to that goal.

The Western PA Regional Chief Medical Officer Consortium:

Donald M. Whiting, MD, Chief Medical Officer, Allegheny Health Network

David Rottinghaus, MD, Chief Medical Officer, Butler Health System

Carol J. Fox, MD, Chief Medical Officer, Excela Health System

Michael Cratty, MD, Chief Medical Officer, Heritage Valley Health System

Ali F. Sonel, MD, Chief Medical Officer, Pittsburgh VA Healthcare System

John Sullivan, MD, Chief Medical Officer, St. Clair Hospital

Donald M. Yealy, MD, Senior Medical Director, UPMC

John Six, MD, Chief Medical Officer, Washington Health System

Richard Neff, MD, Chief Medical Officer, Indiana Regional Medical Center

Elizabeth Dunmore, MD, Chief Medical Officer, Conemaugh Health System

James Backstrom, MD, Chief Medical Officer, Armstrong Regional Medical Center

Russ Cameron, MD, Chief Medical Officer, Penn Highlands Healthcare