PA Health Department Amends Standing Vaccine Orders

In recognition of the shifting vaccination environment, on May 7, 2021, Pennsylvania Department of Health Acting Secretary of Health Beam issued an additional amendment to her Feb. 12 order directing the administration of vaccine. Effective Monday, May 10, this amendment eliminated several of the original provisions within the order including the requirement to administer 80 percent of vaccine within 7 days, the requirement to adhere to the phased approach in the Interim Vaccination Plan, and requirements related to providing and scheduling second doses. In addition, following new CDC guidance issued on May 13, 2021, the PA Department of Health issued an order lifting, for fully vaccinated individuals, much of the mask mandate. It is important to note that wearing a mask in healthcare facilities is still required.