Good afternoon,

Please read this important email regarding the Covid-19 vaccine in its entirety.
 
We understand that although this vaccination comes with hope and promise for the future the information and administration of the vaccination plan is currently unclear and frustrating.
 
For information on PA’s vaccination plan please visit the PA Department of Health Website here:
https://www.health.pa.gov/topics/disease/coronavirus/Vaccine/Pages/Vaccine.aspx
 
As you are likely aware, Pennsylvania is still in the beginning of phase 1A. At this time, the vaccinations are being offered only to 1A eligible individuals. UPMC Health Plan is not able to offer guidance on when or how the vaccine will move on to phase 1B individuals (where clergy who do not qualify under 1A will fall). We want to assure you that we are in constant communication with the health plan on this matter and will deliver any updates to you immediately once we have been provided any information.
 
To see if you qualify under phase 1A or 1B, please take the eligibility quiz on the PA Department of Health:
PA Department of Health Vaccine Eligibility and Vaccine Location Map: https://www.pa.gov/guides/get-vaccinated/#Step1ChecktoSeeifYoureEligible
 
If you qualify under phase 1A:
Many individuals who qualify under 1A have accessed appointments through the vaccination location map at the link above. Click on the map and each corresponding dot to search for appointments.
 
Alternative ideas to find a location and appointment would be as follows:

 -Visit your county of residence website for local appointment availability. To view a list of county websites, please click here: https://www.pacounties.org/PAsCounties/Pages/County-Websites.aspx
- Call the Department of Health Hotline at 1-877-724-3258.
- Call your PCP
- Frequent the UPMC Health Plan Covid-19 page for updates, FAQ's and information at: https://www.upmchealthplan.com/covid-19/vaccine/
- Watch your local news/radio for local information
- Listen for suggestions from those who have had success in your local municipalities at pharmacies, hospitals or other vaccine locations 

If you do not qualify for phase 1A
Clergy will be eligible when PA moves to phase 1B. We are hopeful that we will be able to provide more answers to clergy- whether on the conference plan or not- once we are closer to moving into phase 1B.
 
UPMC Health plan has advised that any active clergy (whether enrolled on UPMC Health Plan or not) will be eligible to apply for this immunization once we have entered phase 1B and that it will be provided at no cost.
 
Please continue to watch your local news and check with the PA Department of Health as well as your local/county health department for updates.

Once again, we will update you as soon as we have any further information. Please watch your email and the Benefits page at www.wpaumc.org/Benefits. 
 
Thank you for your attention to this important email. We pray you are remaining healthy and safe through this difficult time.