Get the VAX and the boost.
Tell COVID to vamoose.
All Pennsylvanians 6 Months and Older are Eligible for the Vaccine
All Pennsylvanians 6 months and older are eligible to schedule an appointment for the COVID-19 vaccine. You can find a vaccine appointment:
- Online at the CDC’s Vaccine Finder webpage.
- By texting your zip code to GETVAX (438829) for English, or VACUNA (822862) for Spanish. You’ll be sent three possible vaccination sites in your area, with phone numbers to call for an appointment.
- Calling 1-800-232-0233 (TTY 1-888-720-7489)
Vaccines are Effective
Vaccines are working. They are our best defense against COVID. But protection from your initial shot may decrease over time. That’s why we have boosters. It’s an easy way to keep your vaccine – and protection – going strong. Learn more about booster eligibility on our COVID-19 Booster Shot webpage.
Vaccine are Safe
Your health is important. And it’s natural to have questions about COVID-19 vaccines and whether they are safe for you and your family.
In the U.S., the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) evaluates the safety and effectiveness of all vaccines, including COVID-19 vaccines. FDA staff are career scientists and physicians, recognized around the world for their expertise in evaluating vaccines. These public health experts analyze data from vaccine makers and clinical trials to make scientific decisions.
For more details about all the steps that go into making sure vaccines are safe – including details about how clinical trials work – check out the CDC’s website about Ensuring COVID-19 Vaccine Safety.
How Vaccines Work
COVID-19 vaccines do not contain any live virus, so it cannot give you COVID-19. The vaccine teaches your body to recognize COVID-19 and creates an immune response.
The vaccine is eliminated from your body shortly after receiving the shot leaving only the immune response. The immune response is like the one you would receive after getting sick with COVID, but you avoid the damage that COVID can cause to your body.
Stop the Spread
While the vaccine is the best way to protect you from COVID-19, it isn’t a cure for the virus. In addition to staying up-to-date on your vaccinations, there are a few simple things that have proven effective. Wear a mask, get tested, and get medical care and treatment if you get sick.
For more information about what you can do to continue to protect yourself, your family, business, neighbors, and community check out the information under our Stop the Spread webpage.
Have a Question?
If you have questions about COVID-19 vaccines or boosters, talk to your doctor or healthcare provider. You can also check out the CDC’s Frequently Asked Questions about COVID-19 Vaccinations or call the PA Health Hotline at 1-877-724-3258.