Pennsylvanians can now use COVID Alert PA to access COVID-19 vaccine information through an updated version of the app.
“More than 792,000 Pennsylvanians who have downloaded COVID Alert PA have been asking for the ability to access vaccine information through the app so it’s easier for themselves, their family members and their loved ones to stay up-to-date on the vaccine process,” said Acting Secretary of Health Alison Beam. “Through this update, users can now find the number of Pennsylvanians vaccinated, the locations of our vaccine providers, and can access the Your Turn eligibility tool through the app. We are continuously working to make certain that every Pennsylvanian has access to the most updated COVID-19 vaccine information in the state and are continuing to ensure the vaccine is provided in an ethical, equitable and efficient way.”
This new update of the app includes:
– COVID-19 vaccine resources like Your Turn eligibility tool, vaccine provider locations near you, and access to CDC’s V-Safe health checker
– The ability to track state and county level COVID-19 vaccine administrations
– Updated data and privacy policy to address these new changes
Through this new update, COVID Alert PA also now runs on older iOS/Apple devices with iOS version 12.5 and higher.
In addition to the newly-added vaccine information, you can use COVID Alert PA to get alerts if you have a potential exposure to the virus, check-in daily by using the COVID-19 symptom check-in, find the most up-to-date COVID-19 county case counts and hospitalizations, access an information hub to learn more about contact tracing, app compatibility with other states, and where to find a testing location and other assistance and benefits, and get updates on the latest public health data about COVID-19 and public health guidance for what to do if you have a potential exposure to COVID-19.
The app does collect user statistics such as the number of downloads or their symptoms that people can voluntarily share. Since the launch in September 2020, there have been more than 792,974 downloads onto smartphone devices. There were 3,780 positive cases who confirmed their positivity through the app, and 1,631 of those positive cases uploaded their random IDs, which generated 784 close contact exposure alerts. Currently, this app is interoperable with 22 other states that also utilize the same exposure notification technology.
COVID Alert PA protects your privacy and personal information. It does not use GPS, location services, or any movement or geographical information. The app will also never collect, transmit or store your personal information and is completely anonymous. For more information, click here.
For those without internet access, call 877-PA-HEALTH to speak with a representative about the vaccine. If an individual is currently eligible, the representative will help them locate nearby vaccine providers and provide contact information so the individual can make a vaccine appointment directly with a provider.
