State of Pennsylvania

04/23/2021 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 04/23/2021 10:31

Department of Health: Over 7.7 Million Vaccinations to Date, More than 3 Million Fully Vaccinated, First Doses of Vaccine to 45.3% of Population, PA Ranks 10th Among 50 States[...]

Harrisburg, PA - The Pennsylvania Department of Health today confirmed as of 12:00 a.m., April 23, there were 4,188 additional positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the statewide total to 1,126,850.

There are 2,808 individuals hospitalized with COVID-19. Of that number, 571 patients are in the intensive care unit with COVID-19. Most of the patients hospitalized are ages 65 or older, and most of the deaths have occurred in patients 65 or older. More data is available here.

The trend in the 14-day moving average number of hospitalized patients per day is about 3,500 lower than it was at the peak on December 25, 2020. The current 14-day average continues to increase, but it is still below what it was at the height of the spring peak on May 3, 2020.

Statewide percent positivity for the week of April 9 - April 15 stood at 9.6%.

The most accurate daily data is available on the website, with archived data also available.

As of 11:59 p.m. Thursday, April 22, there were 59 new deaths identified by the Pennsylvania death registry, reported for a total of 25,938 deaths attributed to COVID-19. County-specific information and a statewide map are available on the COVID-19 Data Dashboard.

COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution

Pennsylvania hospitals began receiving shipments of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine the week of Dec. 14 and Moderna COVID-19 vaccine the week of Dec. 21. The Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) COVID-19 vaccine was first allocated to Pennsylvania the week of March 1, but shipments to Pennsylvania providers are currently paused out of an abundance of caution. Vaccination numbers for Pennsylvania do not include Philadelphia, which is its own jurisdiction, or federal facilities, which are working directly with the federal government.

Vaccine highlights

  • According to the CDC, as of Friday morning, April 23, Pennsylvania has administered first doses of vaccine to 45.3% of its eligible population, and the state ranks 10th among all 50 states for first doses administered by percentage of population.
  • According to the CDC, as of Friday morning, April 23, Pennsylvania ranks 5th among all 50 states for total doses administered.
  • Vaccine providers have administered 7,788,830 total vaccine doses as of Friday, April 23.
  • 3,076,391 people are fully vaccinated; with a seven-day moving average of more than 101,100 people per day receiving vaccinations.
  • 1,907,180 people are partially vaccinated, meaning they have received one dose of a two-dose vaccine.
  • 4,983,571 people have received at least their first dose.
  • This week, a total of 7,752,500 doses will have been allocated through April 24:
    • 304,120 first/single doses will have been allocated this week.
    • 268,010 second doses will have been allocated this week.
  • To date, we have administered 7,788,830 doses total through April 23:
    • First/single doses: 4,983,571 administered
    • Second doses: 2,805,259 administered

Mask-wearing is required in all businesses and whenever leaving home, even if fully vaccinated. Consistent mask-wearing is critical to preventing the spread of COVID-19.

There are 148,295 individuals who have a positive viral antigen test and are considered probable cases and 639 individuals who have a positive serology test and either COVID-19 symptoms or a high-risk exposure.

There are 4,332,764 individuals who have tested negative to date.

In licensed nursing and personal care homes, there are 70,383 resident cases of COVID-19, and 14,692 cases among employees, for a total of 85,075 at 1,587 distinct facilities inall 67 counties. Out of total deaths reported to PA-NEDSS, 13,067 have occurred in residents from nursing or personal care facilities. A county breakdown can be found here. Note that the number of deaths reported to NEDSS is not exactly the same as the COVID-19 related deaths reported by the death registry. The number of deaths among nursing and personal care home residents and employees is taken from the PA-NEDSS death data, as this information is not available in the death registry data.

Approximately 27,451 of our total cases are among health care workers.

Statewide - The Wolf Administration has since noon, April 22:

While vaccine supply from the federal government remains limited, the Department of Health is working to ensure the vaccine is provided in a way that is ethical, equitable and efficient. To keep Pennsylvanians informed about vaccination efforts:

  • All Pennsylvanians age 16 and older are eligible to schedule a COVID-19 vaccine. The provider map is available here.
  • A commonwealth COVID-19 vaccination guide explains the current process for getting one. Pennsylvanians with questions about the vaccination process can call the Department of Health hotline at 1-877-724-3258.
  • Vaccine provider map to find a COVID-19 vaccine provider near you.
  • All of the locations that received vaccine and how much they have received can be found on the COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution webpage.
  • Vaccine dashboard data can also be found on the website to find more information on the doses administered and showcase demographic information.
  • The Unite Against COVID Weekly Update is a round-up of news you can use and answers to your most pressing vaccine questions - delivered directly to your inbox every week.
  • Pennsylvanians can provide feedback on the Pennsylvania COVID-19 Interim Vaccination Plan by clicking on the Plan Feedback Form square under Popular Vaccine Topics here.
  • Frequently asked questions can be found here.

The Wolf Administration stresses the role Pennsylvanians play in helping to reduce the spread of COVID-19:

  • Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
  • Cover any coughs or sneezes with your elbow, not your hands.
  • Clean surfaces frequently.
  • Stay home to avoid spreading COVID-19, especially if you are unwell.
  • If you must go out, you are required to wear a mask when in a business or where it is difficult to maintain proper social distancing.
  • Download the COVID Alert PA app and make your phone part of the fight. The free app can be found in the Google Play StoreOpens In A New Window and the Apple App StoreOpens In A New Window by searching for 'covid alert pa'.

Updated Coronavirus Links: Press Releases, State Lab Photos, Graphics

MEDIA CONTACT: Barry Ciccocioppo - [email protected]

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