1 million Pa. residents have missed their second dose of a COVID-19 vaccine
More than one million Pennsylvanians have missed their second coronavirus shots, a no-show rate among the nations highest and a gap that could prove critical as the country braces for the spread of the newer, more transmissible Delta variant.
By Junes end, 70% of Pennsylvania adults should have been fully vaccinated. Instead, the state had only reached 60%, meaning many who got their first doses in May skipped the second shots. With both doses likely needed to protect against the Delta variant a single shot is only about 33% effective against Delta, one study found getting the second shot has become more urgent than ever.
The reasons so many are skipping or delaying second shots are unclear particularly since Pennsylvanians have done better than many in other states at showing up for their first shots. And understanding why could prove difficult: The Pennsylvania Department of Health is not tracking missed second doses, meaning state officials dont know who skipped the shots or what demographic groups they belong to, information that could be critical for addressing the problem.
CDC data found Pennsylvania ranks fifth from the bottom nationwide in people failing to complete their immunizations.
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2021/07/1-million-pennsylvanians-have-missed-their-second-shot-theyll-need-it-against-the-delta-variant.html