Tower Health is following Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and PA Department of Health (DOH) guidelines for prioritizing distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine. To date, these guidelines have prioritized healthcare workers, individuals living in long-term care facilities, and first responders. Yesterday, January 19, the Governor expanded vaccine eligibility to individuals 65 years of age or older, or those ages 16 to 64 with certain high-risk health conditions.
The health system is excited to expand access to the COVID-19 vaccine and continues to operationalize distribution of vaccine to this expanded population. The ability to offer the vaccine will depend on vaccine supply and availability of appointments for scheduling. Currently due to limited vaccine supply, no appointments are available. Updated vaccine availability and appointment information will be provided at TowerHealth.org/vaccineinfo and eligible persons are encouraged to check the website regularly.
As the system establishes these processes, we urge the public to remember these important points:
- Our physician practices DO NOT have any vaccines on site and cannot accept COVID-19 vaccination appointments. Please do not call your physician’s office requesting the vaccine.
- Tower Health has the required supply of second dose vaccines for those who have already received their first dose of the vaccine.
- If you have a confirmed vaccine appointment, please do not arrive early. By arriving on time, you will help us maintain social distancing.
- Unless it is necessary, please do not bring family members or others to your appointment. In order to assure we can give the needed second doses, we can only vaccinate those who have appointments. If it is necessary to bring someone to assist you, please limit it to one person.
- For the latest updates on Tower Health vaccines and availability, visit www.towerhealth.org/vaccineinfo.
Vaccine distribution is a significant logistical challenge that Tower Health and other local health systems are working hard to organize efficiently and safely. We urge the public to be patient as we manage the changing vaccine supply and the resources needed to distribute it. Please remember to check our website for updated information.
In the meantime, we urge everyone to continue wearing a mask in public, avoiding crowds, and practicing frequent hand hygiene to prevent the spread of the virus.
About Tower Health
Tower Health is a strong, regional, integrated healthcare provider/payer system that offers leading-edge, compassionate healthcare and wellness services to a population of 2.5 million people. With approximately 14,000 team members, Tower Health consists of Reading Hospital in West Reading; Brandywine Hospital in Coatesville; Chestnut Hill Hospital in Philadelphia; Jennersville Hospital in West Grove; Phoenixville Hospital in Phoenixville; Pottstown Hospital in Pottstown; and St. Christopher's Hospital for Children, a partnership of Tower Health and Drexel University in Philadelphia. It also includes Reading Hospital Rehabilitation at Wyomissing; Reading Hospital School of Health Sciences in West Reading; home healthcare services provided by Tower Health at Home; and a network of 25 urgent care facilities across the Tower Health service area. Tower Health offers a connected network of 2,200 physicians, specialists, and providers across more than 230 convenient locations. For more information, visit towerhealth.org.