WEST READING, PA — As the COVID-19 Delta variant continues to spread across the country and the region, Tower Health is reminding the community on the importance of getting the COVID-19 vaccine.
“A recent CDC report showed that nearly 100 percent of COVID-19 hospitalizations are among individuals who are not vaccinated,” said Debra Powell, MD, Chief Division of Infectious Diseases and Medical Director Infection Prevention at Reading Hospital. “In addition to the COVID-19 vaccine preventing illness it also decreases the virus’s ability to mutate and create new strains. I strongly encourage everyone eligible who has not been vaccinated to schedule their appointment. This is our best defense as the highly contagious Delta variant continues to spread rapidly.”
P. Sue Perrotty, President and CEO at Tower Health said, “Tower Health continues to monitor vaccination rates in our community, across the country, and around the world. Data show that vaccinations are safe, effective, and have significantly reduced inpatient hospitalizations. In fact, at the end of 2020 before the widespread availability of vaccine, Tower Health hospitals averaged more than 350 COVID-19 inpatients a day. At the end of June 2021, we averaged fewer than 10.”
Between December 17, 2020 and June 30, 2021 Tower Health administered a total of 85,716 COVID-19 vaccines. Other statistics include:
- First employee vaccine administered on December 17, 2020 at St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children
- First dose vaccines distributed: 43,579, includes Pfizer, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson
- Second dose of Pfizer vaccine: 24,849
- Second dose of Moderna vaccine: 17,288
- Tower Health Medical Group Vaccine Clinic Muhlenberg opened: February 3, 2021
- Highest Number of vaccines distributed in one day: 1,123 on March 5 in partnership with Centro Hispanic in Reading
- Vaccine doses for 12 to 17-year-old (began May 13): 1,099
- Number of vaccine locations, excluding mobile locations: Nine
- Brandywine Hospital, Chestnut Hill Hospital, Jennersville Hospital, Reading Hospital, Phoenixville Hospital, Pottstown Hospital, St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children, Tower Health Urgent Care Plymouth Meeting, Tower Health Medical Group Vaccine Clinic Muhlenberg
Because COVID-19 remains a risk in our community and in accordance with CDC and Pennsylvania Department of Health recommendations, all Tower Health patients, visitors, and employees are required to wear a mask while inside any of our facilities. Please remember to bring your mask if you have an appointment with us or are visiting a patient. This includes individuals who are partially or fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
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