Getting the COVID Vaccine
Getting the COVID Vaccine
Updated February 9, 2021
Pennsylvania has started to vaccinate against COVID-19 and is working to expand eligibility to more groups of people.
Supplies are extremely limited, so we must prioritize who gets vaccinated first — starting with those most at risk of catching COVID and experiencing complications.
Use this guide to see if you are currently eligible for a COVID vaccine and to find out how to get one. If you have questions about the vaccination process in Pennsylvania, please call the Pennsylvania Department of Health hotline at 1-877-724-3258.
If somebody has taken drugs and becomes unresponsive, call 911 immediately. These resources are intended for preventive measures only.
Why Vaccines?
Vaccines are safe and are the best way to protect yourself and those around you from serious illnesses.
The COVID-19 vaccine — given in two doses two weeks to one month apart depending on the kind you get — can keep you from getting COVID-19, and may even lessen symptoms if you do contract the virus.
COVID-19 vaccination will help protect you by creating an antibody response without having to experience sickness.
Learn more about how the government is ensuring the safety of vaccines.
Vaccine Phases
Currently, we are in Phase 1A of Pennsylvania’s vaccine rollout. Learn more about what each phase means.
Step 1: Check to See if You're Eligible
With initial supplies extremely limited, the COVID-19 vaccine is being distributed in phases. Qualifying for a vaccine does not guarantee available doses or appointments. If you qualify, use the map in Step 2 to set up an appointment with a provider or get on their contact list.
NON-PHILLY RESIDENTS: Use the Your Turn tool to see if you’re eligible for a vaccine and sign up for updates and information about the vaccine from the Pennsylvania Department of Health. Note: This tool works best in Firefox, Safari, Microsoft Edge, and Google Chrome.
PHILLY RESIDENTS: The city has its own vaccination plan. Go here for vaccine information and to find a vaccine near you.
If you’re eligible now, find a provider near you and set up a vaccine appointment in Step 2. If you’re not yet eligible, keep checking back. We will update this guide when more phases are eligible.
Step 2: Find a Vaccine Provider
Once you are part of a group that is eligible for vaccination, use the map below to find a place to schedule your vaccine. Please use the listed information to contact a provider.
Vaccine providers can include hospitals, urgent care centers, doctor’s offices, and pharmacies. Providers have to be registered to receive the vaccine — so make sure your chosen provider is listed on our map before continuing to Step 3.
Note: Philadelphia County is a separate vaccine jurisdiction and has its own information about vaccine distribution
The Pennsylvania Department of Health is working to ensure all enrolled vaccine providers have information publicly available for those currently eligible to be vaccinated. This map will be updated as more locations receive vaccine. Click on a dot to see details on vaccination locations.
Step 3: Contact A Provider To Schedule An Appointment
Contact the vaccination provider of your choice directly from the map above to schedule an appointment for your vaccine.
When you get the vaccine, you and the person administering the vaccine will both need to wear masks that cover your nose and mouth.
You will receive a vaccination card that tells you which COVID-19 vaccine you received, the date you received it, and where you received it. The card also will remind you to return for a second dose.
Learn more about how to prepare for your vaccine.
What Your Vaccine Card Will Look Like
Step 4: Be Sure to Get Both Doses
Remember: COVID vaccines are administered in two doses. You will have to return to your vaccination provider to get the second dose of the vaccine before you are done being vaccinated.
Keep Others Safe
It will take some time to get the COVID vaccine rolled out and get everyone vaccinated.
The COVID vaccine — while showing extremely promising results — is like every other vaccine in that no vaccine is ever 100% effective. We must continue our best-known risk reduction measures to keep people safe:
- Wear cloth face covering (mask) when in public and when around people who don’t live with you
- Stay 6 feet from those you don’t live with
- Avoiding crowds
- Practice good health habits — such as washing your hands frequently, avoiding touching your face, and wiping down high-touch surfaces
- Download the COVID Alert PA mobile app
Questions?
Use the buttons below to get even more information on COVID vaccines in Pennsylvania.
You also can call the Pennsylvania Department of Health hotline at 1-877-724-3258.
