Jerry Hepburn of Montoursville, left, receives his COVID-19 vaccine from Heidi Kosmer, UPMC professional staff nurse, right, at the appointment only UPMC COVID-19 vaccine clinic at the Old Lycoming Fire Hall on Thursday. This location is one of five run by UPMC Williamsport in Lycoming, Tioga and Clinton counties. To register if you elligible visit https://vaccine.upmc.com/ or call call 844-UPMCVAC. KAREN VIBERT-KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette

COVID-19 vaccine distribution is ramping up in the area and local health care systems like UPMC and Geisinger are starting preparations to bring in the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

UPMC in the Susquehanna region has taken more of a phased approach, distributing vaccinations gradually starting at those 85 and older and now opening it up to 65 and older and to those aged 16 to 64 with chronic health conditions as described in the state Department of Health’s phase 1A guidelines alongside other local healthcare systems.

“We expanded our capabilities in Lycoming County earlier this week to now offer a clinic in eastern Lycoming County,” Heather Stafford, infection prevention and control clinical director for UPMC in the Susquehanna region, said.

Right now, UPMC is only offering the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, but is prepared to “integrate the Johnson & Johnson/Janssen COVID-19 vaccine into the overall distribution plan.”

As of now, Geisinger is also not providing the Johnson & Johnson vaccine and has suspended first dose appointments for the time being as they are trying to catch up with other appointments.

“We are thrilled to have a third COVID-19 vaccine available in our communities, but at this time we are not receiving any Johnson & Johnson vaccine supply,” Marc Stempka, Geisinger media relations specialist, said. “Should we receive doses from the Pennsylvania Department of Health, we will be prepared to distribute it to those in our communities who qualify as part of the state’s guidelines.”

“UPMC leaders are in ongoing contact with the PA Department of Health to optimize vaccine information, allotment and use — we want to lead this important effort across all of our communities,” Stafford said. “Vaccine supply from the state and federal government is still limited. UPMC orders supplies based on the demands of our clinics and outreach efforts. Pennsylvania Department of Health looks at the requests of all providers across the state and then determines the allocations.”

There are currently two clinics for vaccination appointments at the Old Lycoming Township and Hughesville Volunteer fire departments.

There are also clinics in Clinton, Potter and Tioga counties.

Geisinger also has many clinics open including Geisinger Jersey Shore Hospital.

All clinics are only providing vaccinations by appointment only after registering online at Vaccine.UPMC.com or via phone 844-876-2822 between 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and looking for online resources at https://www.geisinger.org/coronavirus/patients-and-visitors/covid-19-vaccine-faqs.

“We will continue to share any news on vaccination capability as things change,” Stafford said.