Covid vaccinations on the rise in Allegheny County, statewide

First-dose covid vaccinations in Allegheny County rose for the 18th straight day on Wednesday, data show, and officials said the county has surpassed the 800,000 mark for residents with at least once dose.

At the same time, Gov. Tom Wolf announced that 70% of Pennsylvanians ages 18 and older are fully vaccinated against covid-19.

“Today, the commonwealth has reached a milestone in our fight against this deadly virus,” Wolf said in a press release, adding that the “milestone is critical to protect those not yet eligible for the vaccine, like our children under 12 years of age.

“To everyone who has gotten vaccinated, thank you. For those not yet vaccinated, please consider joining us in doing your part. Visit a vaccine provider as soon as possible.”

In late May, Pennsylvania reached the 70% mark of first doses. A month late, Wolf lifted the state’s mask mandate, unless it is required by the business or building they’re in.

Over the past 30 days, the Department of Health reports the average number of first-dose vaccinations is up 70%.

“It’s good to see those vaccination numbers rising because we know — and the data shows it locally, statewide and nationally — that protecting each other, protecting ourselves with the vaccine is by far the most effective way of dealing with this pandemic,” said Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald.

The county posted 433 newly reported cases of the virus on Wednesday. On the whole, though, cases countywide for the most part have hit a plateau, said county health Director Dr. Debra Bogen.

“But we’ve not yet seen a drop in our cases like other parts of the country have,” she said.

Bogen said case investigations continue to trace back to the same kinds of places: Social events with few mitigation efforts like weddings, family gatherings and “many sporting events, from youth sports leagues to professional sporting events.”

She offered advice as Halloween approaches, all of it in line with the common-sense measures stressed for the past 18 months: wear a mask, keep 6 feet apart, avoid crowds and try to hold parties and gatherings outside.

“This week is largely one in which we are looking ahead,” Bogen said. “We continue to look ahead and wait for approval for the vaccine to be administered to those under age 12; we continue to await a drop in cases in Allegheny County, which I believe should come soon; and we continue to urge everyone not only to get their covid vaccine but to get their flu vaccine.

“Even if it doesn’t feel like it,” she said, “I think there is cause for optimism.”