With demand for the COVID-19 vaccine exceeding supply, U.S. Rep. Chrissy Houlahan, D-6th of Easttown, educated the public and sought solutions, during Wednesday’s virtual hour-long town hall.

“Vaccines are one of the most effective tools we have to contain this virus,” Houlahan said. “To say it’s a difficult year would be an understatement.

“I encourage all Pennsylvanians to get the vaccine when it is made available to you.”

Chester County received fewer doses than expected of the vaccine this week.

"We have received zero first doses of vaccine this week," said Josh Maxwell, Chester County commissioner. "This means that the more than 100,000 people we have signed up on our preregistration are going to be left waiting. Our seniors, vulnerable population, police and teachers deserve vaccine in Chester County."

Pennsylvania is currently vaccinating for those in category 1A, the first group of vaccinations. This includes health care workers, residents of long-term facilities, those ages 16-64 with high risk conditions and those 65 and older. Vaccine supply in Chester County remains limited and appointments are opened as more vaccine becomes available.

Jeanne Casner, director of the Chester County Department of Health, said that 154,704 Chester County residents fall into this category, with 25,000 vaccinated to date.

“Progress is being made,” Casner said. “For every dose being received, that dose is accounted for.”

Andrew Sharp, deputy secretary for intergovernmental affairs in the Governor’s office, said that there are 4 million Pennsylvanians in the 1A category, with up to 80,000 vaccinated on some days.

“We are seeing more and more progress each day,” Sharp said. “There are challenges and frustrations.

“Allocations from the federal government are limited.”

Casner said that all injections are given by appointment only and the wait is minimal.

Dr. Benjamin Abella, attending physician and vice chair of the Department of Emergency Medicine at Penn Medicine addressed the details.

Abella said that those injected cannot catch COVID from the vaccine since there is a very small piece of COVID contained in the vaccine. He also said that allergic reactions are very rare.

Casner noted that a paramedic and nurses assistants, with access to an ambulance, are stationed at the present vaccination sites.

Houlahan said that there will be no documentation needed to receive the vaccine for those in the high risk categories and residents will be on the “honor system.”

Abella answered a question concerning mutated strains.

“We don’t know if they are more or less dangerous, but they are more contagious,” he said about a handful of cases discovered in the state. He stressed the need to vaccinate sooner rather than later and said that those vaccinated might need additional boosters, similar to the process with flu shots.

The Coatesville VA is now opening up vaccine appointments to VA-enrolled veterans 70 and older. To get on the list, call 610-384-7711, extension 5705 or 5706 or go to https://www.coatesville.va.gov/services/covid-19-vaccines.asp.

For more information, go to the Chester County Health Department at www.chesco.org or call 610-344-6225, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. The Pennsylvania Department of Health may be contacted at 877-724-3258.

Chester County residents may register to get the vaccine at https://chesco.seamlessdocs.com/f/chescovac.

“Everyone who has submitted, or will be submitting a pre-registration form will receive a confirmation of receipt, and will then receive regular updates on the status of vaccine distribution in Chester County – until such time as they are asked to schedule a vaccination appointment,” added Casner.