Getting the COVID Vaccine
Getting the COVID Vaccine
Updated March 30, 2022
More than 8.5 million Pennsylvanians are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
Pennsylvanians age 5 and older are eligible to be vaccinated.
Pennsylvanians age 12 and older are eligible to schedule a COVID-19 vaccine booster. It’s recommended that you get boosted five months after your second dose of Pfizer or Moderna and two months after the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
Use this guide to find out how to get a vaccine. If you have questions about the vaccination process in Pennsylvania, please call the Pennsylvania Department of Health hotline at 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 can keep you from getting COVID-19, and is supposed to 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.
Who Is Eligible?
Pennsylvanians age 5 and up can receive the COVID vaccine.
- Children ages 5 through 11 may only receive the Pfizer 5-11-year-old vaccine
- Children ages 12 through 17 may only receive the Pfizer 12+ vaccine
- Adults age 18 and older may receive the Pfizer 12+ vaccine, Moderna vaccine, or Johnson & Johnson vaccine
Step 1: Find a Vaccine Provider
Click “Find a Vaccine” below to find a place to schedule your vaccine.
Vaccine providers 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 before continuing to Step 3.
PHILLY RESIDENTS: The city has its own vaccination plan. Go here for vaccine information and to find a vaccine near you.
Veterans, their spouses, and caregivers are eligible to receive vaccine through Veterans Affairs. Visit the VA website for more information.
Step 2: Contact A Provider To Schedule An Appointment
Contact the vaccine provider of your choice directly from the map above to schedule an appointment for your vaccine.
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 if needed.
Learn more about how to prepare for your vaccine.
Step 3: Be Sure to Get Follow-Up Doses
The Moderna and Pfizer 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.
If you received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, you are fully protected after one dose.
People who are immunocompromised may be eligible for a third dose.
Booster Shots
All adults in Pennsylvania are eligible to schedule a COVID-19 vaccine booster. Kids and adolescents ages 12-17 are eligible for a Pfizer booster.
The FDA approved a second booster dose for adults 50+ and certain people who are immunocompromised.
Pfizer and Moderna Boosters
Boosters for the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are available if it’s been at least five months since your initial series of two doses.
Johnson & Johnson Booster
Individuals who received the Johnson & Johnson (Janssen) vaccine are eligible to get a booster if it’s been at least two months since your initial dose.
Regardless of which brand of vaccine was received for a primary vaccination, individuals can take any brand for a booster dose.
Find a provider near you to schedule a booster.
Request A Replacement Vaccine Record
Did you lose or misplace your COVID-19 vaccine card? Get a copy of your record from the Department of Health one of two ways:
- ONLINE: Request your immunization record.
- BY MAIL OR EMAIL: Fill out this form and mail or email it in.
You will need to upload or send in a copy of your photo ID to access your records.
Commonwealth Employees
Commonwealth employees in state health care facilities and high-risk congregate care facilities were required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by September 7, 2021.
Individuals who are not vaccinated are required to undergo weekly COVID-19 testing.
All new external hires in these facilities must be vaccinated before commencing employment.
Starting October 1, 2021: All vaccinated state employees under the governor’s jurisdiction are eligible for additional paid time off.
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 877-724-3258.
#GotMyShotPA
You can help fight misinformation on vaccines and encourage vaccination among people you know by sharing your vaccine experience.
Use #GotMyShotPA on social media to share selfies, details on why you got vaccinated, and info on the side effects you experienced.
Download visual resources, such as social media graphics, posters, and more.
