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UPMC Unveils New Website For COVID-19 Vaccine Registration

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- UPMC has unveiled a new way for its patients to get in line for the COVID-19 vaccine. Since its launch late last week, doctors say there has been a lot of interest.

In order to get the vaccine, you must fall under Pennsylvania's Phase 1A guidelines to register. When you register, that doesn't mean you will get the vaccine right away. However, you will be put on a waiting list and UPMC will contact you to schedule an appointment when a shot is available.

"We know you're out there. We know you want the vaccine. We aren't going to forget you. We will use this process to make sure you know as soon as we have a vaccine, we will offer it to you," said Medical Director of Infection Prevention and Hospital Epidemiology at UPMC Dr. Graham Snyder.

Right now, Dr. Snyder said vaccine supply is still limited. He says the state is depending on the federal government.

"This can only goes as fast as the vaccine is being delivered through the pipeline. We are getting the supply and the state is doing a good job keeping us up to date and how that will change over time," said Dr. Snyder.

Snyder said UPMC isn't holding any vaccines aside. It's just using what's left for the people who already have appointments scheduled. When more doses do become available, UPMC says it will contact you if you registered online or by phone.

If you don't have access to the internet, you can call the number 844-876-2822 between the hours of 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. seven days a week.

UPMC expects a lot of calls, and Snyder says they're ready.

"We are doing the very best we can to create a robust system that will handle the amount of demand and volume we are expecting," said Dr. Snyder.

If you find another place that will schedule you for the vaccine, UPMC encourages you to take it.

Dr. Snyder just recommends letting the other places you registered with know you made an appointment elsewhere so they can take you off the list and leave it open for someone else.

To learn more about vaccine eligibility and for a link to use UPMC's new registration tool, click here.

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