Some programs also want to see a transcript before their deadline. The only specific one I can think of right now is Wake Forest, but I know I saw a few others when I was researching programs. At my school the official transcript goes out with the Dean's Letter on Nov 1. (I don't know if this is a school policy or an ERAS policy.) So, I just had the office attach an unofficial transcript to one of my LORs.
As for letter writers, all I can say is keep reminding them. It can be very difficult to do, but attendings are very busy people and are probably writing several letters. I just got my last letter in, and it was from a rotation I did in April.